British counter-terrorism police have detained five individuals, including four Iranians, amid suspicions of planning a terrorist act, as reported by the Metropolitan Police in London on Sunday. The arrests occurred during coordinated operations across various locations in the UK on Saturday, with the investigation focusing on a specific potential target.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who oversees the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, highlighted the rapid developments within the inquiry, assuring that they are in close communication with those who might be impacted by the situation. However, the specific location intended for the alleged attack has not been revealed.
The arrests took place in Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon, with the police confirming that four of the detainees, aged between 29 and 46, are Iranian nationals held under Britain’s Terrorism Act. The fifth individual’s nationality is still unclear, and they were detained under different legal provisions.
The investigation is in its early phases, and authorities are diligently pursuing various leads to understand the motivations behind the alleged plot and to evaluate any ongoing risk to the public. Commander Murphy urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities.
The suspects include:
– A 29-year-old from Swindon
– A 46-year-old from west London
– A 29-year-old from Stockport
– A 40-year-old from Rochdale
– An unidentified individual arrested in Manchester, whose age is yet to be confirmed.
All five suspects are currently in police custody, as investigators continue to explore the intricacies of the case.