Two men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act as they tried to leave the UK through Dover.

The men, aged 20 and 22, were held as part of an investigation led by the South East Counter Terrorism Unit.

They were arrested during the early hours of Sunday morning, but it's been stressed that the incident is not related to the Paris terror attacks.

Both men were taken into custody, and were quizzed under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, which relates to preparation of terrorism acts.

Det Supt Ian Hunter, Head of Investigations in SECTU, said: “I would firstly like to confirm these arrests are not linked to the Paris terrorist incidents and there is no immediate threat to the local community.

“These men were trying to leave the UK via Dover and were arrested following good work by Kent police officers at the Port.”

Anyone who knows of someone who may be potentially vulnerable to being drawn into terrorist-related activity, including travelling abroad to conflict zones should contact local police for advice and support on 101.

If you see or hear something that you are concerned could be terrorist related, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.