A university student has been released on bail following her arrest by counter-terrorism police on suspicion of supporting proscribed terrorist organisation Hamas at a protest.

The 22-year-old woman, who the University of Sussex confirmed was one of their students, was held on Thursday under section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 following an investigation into a speech she made at a protest in Brighton on Sunday.

The pro-Palestine rally came just one day after Hamas militants launched attacks on Israel, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.

Police have said that the woman was released on bail yesterday evening until November 13.

Hamas is designated as a terrorist group by the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia and the European Union.

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Superintendent Petra Lazar from Sussex Police said: “After reviewing footage from the protest event held in Brighton on Sunday, October 8, the matter was investigated by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).

“We will continue to support them as they conduct their investigation.

“We are aware that the ongoing conflict in Israel and the border with Gaza is generating public concern and is impacting communities globally and locally, and we extend our support to those affected in Sussex.

“Sussex Police has increased visibility across parts of Sussex to provide an increased presence and reassurance to our local communities.

“We recognise there is the potential for increased tensions and are engaging and working with communities and partners to ensure people feel safe and protected.”

A spokeswoman at the University of Sussex said: “Following comments made by a student at a demonstration in Brighton on October 8, the university initiated an investigation, in line with our procedures.

“The university takes very seriously our obligations to support students and staff and to provide a safe and secure environment in which to work, live and study, and will continue to take action to this end.

“The case is now a live counter-terrorism police investigation and as such it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.”

Officers would like to speak to anyone who attended the protest, particularly those who may have footage of the event and speech.

Anyone with information has been urged to call 101, quoting reference 781 of 07/10.