Eight people have been arrested in connection with two separate terrorism investigations in 24 hours, police have said.
London’s Metropolitan Police said five people were arrested yesterday on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act after detectives uncovered a suspected plot to ‘target a specific premises.’
Police have refused to name the location.
Four of the men are Iranian nationals while the fifth man’s identity has not yet been identified, police said. The men are being held in custody.
They added that a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Swindon area, a 46-year-old man was arrested in west London, a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Stockport area, a 40-year-old man was arrested in the Rochdale area
and the fifth man, whose age isn’t known, was arrested in the Manchester area.
Searches at properties in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon are taking place in connection with the case.
Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command Dominic Murphy said: ‘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 enquiry 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.
‘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.’
In a separate case, three men were arrested yesterday as part of a counter terrorism police probe.
Three Iranian men, aged 39, 44 and 55, were arrested under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. They are being held in custody.
No further details have been given over the reason for their arrests.
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Two were arrested at separate homes in north west London while one man arrested in west London.
Police said enquiries are ongoing.
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