A UNIVERSITY of Cambridge student from Manchester has been jailed for terrorism offences at Manchester Crown Court.

Oliver Bel, of Cherry Tree Close, Wilmslow, was jailed today for two years after being found guilty of possession of documents likely to be useful to a person preparing, or committing, an act of terrorism.

He first came to police attention in early 2019, while he was a student at Cambridge University. Complaints relating to Bel's online activity including social media posts expressing anti-Semitic and extreme right wing views were received by police.

A search warrant was executed at Bel's address following a number of extreme right wing posts made by him appearing in a news article from 'Hope not Hate' - an advocacy group campaigning against racism.

A number of media devices along with books were seized, including the 'Anarchist Cookbook'.

Assessment of the document showed it contained numerous instructions on how to prepare viable explosive devices, as well as instructions on how to use knives to kill a person.

He was arrested on February 19 of last year by Counter Terrorism officers.

During his police interview, Bel denied the allegations but was later charged with one count of possession of a document or record likely to be useful to a person preparing, or committing, an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

During his trial in April,Bel declined to give evidence but was found guilty.

Superintendent Will Chatterton, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: "Although Bel pleaded not guilty to the charges, the evidence presented to the court by the investigations team lead to him being jailed and I hope this shows the determination we have to eradicate this type of extremely dangerous terrorist activity.

"We are committed to bringing anyone who poses a risk to our communities to justice and I would urge the public to report any concerns they have of suspicious behaviour to us straight away.

"Reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them."

Every year thousands of reports from the public help police tackle the terrorist threat.

If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting to police in confidence at gov.uk/ACT.