College in east London raided in counter-terror operation By Marc Ashdown

Education Reporter, BBC London News Published duration 3 October 2014

image copyright Central News image caption Mizanur Rahman was one of eight people arrested and then released on bail

A private tuition college in east London was raided as part of a counter-terrorism operation, the BBC has learnt.

Siddeeq Academy, in Whitechapel, claims to provide support for parents who wish to educate their children at home.

Academy director Mizanur Rahman was one of nine people arrested by officers on 25 September.

Tower Hamlets Council said it had reported its concerns about the tuition centre to the Department for Education.

The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command searched various addresses in London during the raids.

Eight men were released on bail until January and one man was charged with breaching a notification requirement under counter-terrorism legislation.

Concerns raised

BBC London understands that one of the addresses searched was an academy for children as young as five in Whitechapel.

The academy describes itself as an Islamic education and tuition centre and claims to offer supplementary education for children and adults of all ages with an Islamic focus.

Tower Hamlets Council has no legal duty or responsibility for the centre, but the BBC understands the local authority raised concerns over safeguarding with the Department for Education in July.

A council spokesperson said: "As local education authority, Tower Hamlets Council has no jurisdiction over non-maintained schools, including academies and private tuition centres.

"The council has reported its concerns about this tuition centre to the Department for Education."