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Eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, have been arrested in two unrelated counter-terrorism investigations in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police reported that five men were detained on Saturday across various locations in England as part of a "pre-planned" operation concerning an alleged plot to target a specific location. Four of the suspects—aged 29, 29, 40, and 46—are Iranian nationals, while the fifth man’s identity and nationality are still being confirmed.
In a separate case, three Iranian men aged 39, 44, and 55 were arrested under national security legislation in north-west and west London. This operation is being handled by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command and is not connected to the arrests of the other five individuals.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the work of the police and security services, emphasizing the importance of remaining adaptable to ongoing national security threats. Health Secretary Wes Streeting also expressed gratitude to the authorities, noting their daily efforts to protect lives but declined to provide further details.
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command leads investigations related to terrorism, espionage, and state threats. In the case involving the five men, four were arrested under the Terrorism Act, while the fifth was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Pace). All five are suspected of preparing for an act of terrorism.
The arrests took place in Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester. The investigation involves support from Greater Manchester Police, Wiltshire Police, and other counter-terrorism units nationwide.
Police said the alleged plot involved a specific, unnamed location that has been informed and is receiving support. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, stated that the investigation remains in its early stages, with inquiries ongoing into possible motives and any additional risks to the public.
He urged the public to stay alert and report anything suspicious.
In the other investigation, the three men arrested in London were detained under the National Security Act. Searches at their respective addresses are ongoing, and police reiterated that the two operations are entirely separate.
