Five men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, Met police says

Counter-terrorism police have arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism offences, the Metropolitan Police said.

Four Iranian nationals – two aged 29, one aged 40 and one aged 46 – were arrested in various locations around England on Saturday as part of a “pre-planned operation”, the force said.

The nationality and age of the fifth man is still being established, it added.

The investigation relates to a “suspected plot to target a specific premises”, the Met said, adding for operational reasons it cannot provide further information at this time.

As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon.

“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,” said Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter-terrorism command.

“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.”

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