Eight people have been arrested in counter-terror raids across Britain amid two separate probes, with five detained over a suspected plot to carry out a terrorist act.
The Metropolitan Police say officers apprehended the five men, four of whom are Iranian nationals, on Saturday, with all remaining in police custody.
Three Iranian nationals were also arrested in connection with a separate investigation.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who is head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said regarding the probe involving five men: ‘This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.
‘The investigation is still in its early stages, and we are exploring various lines of inquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.
‘We understand the public may be concerned and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.’
He added: ‘We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.’
Officers are carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas in connection with the investigation.
Officers are carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas in connection with the investigation. Pictured: police on the scene of East Street in Rochdale
The arrests and searches are being supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police, as well as officials from Counter Terrorism Policing from across the country. Pictured: police on the scene of East Street in Rochdale
The arrests and searches are being supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police, as well as officials from Counter Terrorism Policing from across the country.
The four Iranian nationals have been detained under the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006.
The fifth man was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
Those arrested are said to be a 29-year-old man in the Swindon area; a 46-year-old man in west London; a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area; a 40-year-old man in the Rochdale area and a man whose age was not confirmed in the Manchester area.
The Met said the arrests related to a ‘suspected plot to target a specific premises’.
Police said in a statement that Counter Terrorism Policing units had also taken three men into custody in London.
Two of the men, aged 39 and 44 respectively, were arrested at separate addresses in north-west London.
A 55-year-old man was also apprehended at a third address, located in west London.
In an early-morning statement on Sunday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) said: ‘I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe’
The London trio were arrested and detained under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023 and remain in custody.
Searches continue at the three addresses across London.
In an early-morning statement on Sunday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: ‘I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe. Protecting national security is the first duty of Government and our police and security services have our strong support in their vital work.
‘These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats.
‘The Government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe.’
