Britain Charges Five

The Telegraph reports today that "Five men were charged early today with terrorism offences following the Birmingham raids last week."

Eight suspects were picked up in a series of dawn raids in the city last Wednesday. A ninth was stopped on a motorway in the city several hours later.

Police sources later said the operation was prompted by an alleged plot to kidnap and behead a Muslim soldier serving in the Armed Forces.

Of the five men due to appear in court today, two are 36 years old and are each charged with two offences under the Terrorism Act 2006 and one under the Terrorism Act 2000. A 30-year-old man and a 43-year-old man are each charged with one offence under the Terrorism Act 2006 and one offence under the Terrorism Act 2000.

A 31-year-old man is charged with two offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 and one offence under the Terrorism Act 2006. Police have until 4am tomorrow to question the ninth suspect, who remains in their custody.