Eight men arrested in two terrorism investigations

Eight men have been arrested around the country in two separate terrorism investigations.

As part of an investigation led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, five people were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of terrorism offences.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in Swindon; 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 areas and another man was arrested in the Manchester area.

All five were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. Four men [A-D] are Iranian nationals and were detained under TACT. The nationality of the fifth man [E] is still being established and he was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).

This investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises, which has not been named. Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, 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 counter terrorism investigation, also on Saturday, three people were arrested in London.

Two men were arrested at separate addresses in north west London and one man was arrested at an address in west London.

All three are Iranian nationals and were detained under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023.