UK police officer arrested on suspicion of supporting Hamas

A British police officer has been arrested on suspicion of supporting the Hamas terror group, the BBC reports.

The officer, who is not named but is said to be in his 30s, has been detained over suspected support for Hamas that “relates to activity online.”

Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson says two properties and a vehicle were searched as part of the investigation, with the aim of finding digital devices to send for analysis.

“The arrest of a serving officer on suspicion of such a serious offense will no doubt cause our communities concern, as it does everyone who works for Gloucestershire Police,” Mathieson tells the BBC.

“The arrest has been made to allow for a prompt and effective investigation to take place and we must not draw any conclusions at this stage,” he says.