British counterterrorism police arrest US soldier accused of spying on behalf of Russia

A 41-year-old member of the US Army was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday in England, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement .

Authorities searched two locations in the Gloucestershire region, police said, adding: "The country to which the allegations pertain is Russia."

US authorities, the US Military and the FBI were closely involved in the investigation, police said.

The man was in custody at a London police station, authorities said on Tuesday evening as the news emerged.

What did US and UK officials say about the arrest?

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing called it a "significant arrest" as a result of "close collaboration between UK and US authorities."

"The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing," Evans said.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the case was of "utmost concern" to the US and its allies.

本文の著作権はDeutsche Welleにあります。