Iranians arrested in UK on suspicion of plotting terror attack

Seven people have been arrested in the last 24 hours on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack, according to the Metropolitan Police. Counter Terrorism Police officers arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism related offences on Saturday.

Four of the men are Iranian nationals and the nationality of the fifth is still being established. A further three people, who are all Iranian, have been arrested as part of a separate investigation, the force announced this morning.

The first investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises, according to the Met. Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and to provide relevant advice and support but it has not been identified for operational reasons.

The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is leading the proactive investigation which resulted in the pre-planned arrests on Saturday May 3. 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 a fifth man was arrested in the Manchester area.

All five men were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006. They remain in custody.

Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command Commander 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.”

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.”

He also urged the British public to remain vigilant and “if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us”.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police, Wiltshire Police, and Counter Terrorism Police were also involved in the operation.

This morning, May 4, it was revealed a further three people have been arrested in London as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation.

The Met Police confirmed on Sunday that three men, aged 39, 44 and 55, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested and detained under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023.

Police said this investigation is not connected to the earlier arrest of five people as part of a separate Met Counter Terrorism operation.