A MAN from Essex has been arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of preparing for a terrorist act.

The 49-year-old man, from south Essex, was arrested by detectives from the Metropolitan Police supported by Essex Police, on Monday at 2.10pm.

The man had arrived at the airport on an inward-bound flight from Istanbul.

Police have confirmed the arrest does not relate to activities in the UK.

He was taken into custody at a south London police station and later bailed to return to a south London police station in February.

Detectives also executed a search warrant at an address in south Essex.