TERROR PROBE UNCOVERS 'FAKE GUNS'

An imitation Kalashnikov rifle and fireworks have been seized by police investigating alleged terrorism in connection with the G20 summit.

Three men aged 25, 19 and 16 and two women of 20, from the Plymouth area in Devon, were held after the 25 year old was seen allegedly spraying graffiti.

A number of imitation weapons were seized in searches of several premises.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton said the weapons were "not major" and "probably not even lethal".

The arrests were an "isolated incident" and local people were not at risk. The arrested people have not been linked to any religious group.

ACC Netherton said the weapons included imitation handguns and a Kalashnikov, as well as fireworks. No ammunition for the guns was found.

Detectives are investigating the possibility those arrested were planning to mount protests in London against the G20 summit of world leaders.

All five people are being held under the Terrorism Act.

The arrests were made after the 25-year-old man was arrested in Plymouth on the evening of 27 March for allegedly spraying graffiti on a wall.

ACC Netherton said: "He was arrested and then the officer went back to this man's house and carried out a search.

"When he was searching the house he came across imitation firearms and also some devices which had basically been made from fireworks. "And also he found some politically sensitive material and things like that."

He said the operation has no connection to failed suicide bomber Nicky Reilly, 22, who was jailed for 18 years earlier this year.

The Muslim convert, who lived with his mother in Plymouth, attempted a nail bomb attack on a restaurant in Exeter.

BBC NEWS REPORT.