UK Terror Suspect Is A ‘Great Dad’

Neighbours of a terror suspect have described him as a “smashing neighbour” from a “nice, loving family”.

The 40-year-old man, who has not been named, was arrested in Sheffield on Wednesday and held on suspicion of preparing to commit an act of terrorism. He was arrested at the same time as a 36-year-old man, a 55-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man in coordinated raids.

However, neighbours told local newspaper The Star that the man was “lovely” and a “great dad”.

Ernest Balderston, who lives on the same street, called him a “smashing neighbour” from a “nice, lovely family”.

“He’s a nice chap and he would always help out clearing the snow and would kick up a fuss if he saw me gardening or decorating.

“I think he’s Syrian originally and I know he’s been over there to deliver clothes and stuff.”

Meanwhile, Kathryn Smith said he had lived in the area for eight years, adding: “My kids really love him because he’s such a nice guy.”

“Even when they are playing football outside his house and the ball hits the window he never gets angry.

“He usually just pulls on his shoes and joins in with them and when it snows he’s had snowball fights with them too.

“They’ve all got English Qurans too and when he goes into the city centre and sets up a school to talk about Islam he never harasses anyone, he waits for them to come over to him.

“He is really big part of the street and the community and nobody I know has anything bad to say about him.”

The suspect’s house has been searched and his van and car seized.

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