Five men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of a major proactive investigation led by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The arrests, which took place on Saturday, 3 May, involved coordinated action across multiple areas:
- A 29-year-old man arrested in the Swindon area
- A 46-year-old man arrested in west London
- A 29-year-old man arrested in the Stockport area
- A 40-year-old man arrested in the Rochdale area
- A man (age yet to be confirmed) arrested in the Manchester area
All five suspects were arrested on suspicion of the preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006.
Four of the men ([A-D]) are confirmed to be Iranian nationals and were detained under TACT powers. The nationality of the fifth man ([E]) is still being verified; he was arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
All five men remain in police custody while the investigation continues.
Searches are ongoing at multiple addresses across Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon as part of the operation.
The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises, though officers are not releasing further details for operational security reasons.
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. We are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation and to determine if there is any further risk to the public.”
He added:
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious, either by calling 0800 789 321 or visiting www.gov.uk/ACT.”