Eight men, including at least seven Iranian nationals, have been arrested in two separate and unconnected UK counter-terrorism operations, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
Five suspects were detained on Saturday across Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale and Manchester in a “pre-planned” investigation into a suspected plot targeting a specific premises. Four of the men—aged 29, 29, 40, and 46—are confirmed Iranian nationals, while the identity of the fifth remains under investigation.
Four were arrested under the Terrorism Act, and the fifth under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Pace). All are being held on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. The targeted site, which remains unnamed, has been informed and is receiving support from authorities.
The operation is being led by the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, with support from Greater Manchester Police, Wiltshire Police, and national counter-terror units.
Commander Dominic Murphy said the probe remains in its early stages: “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.”
In a separate investigation on the same day, three other Iranian men—aged 39, 44, and 55—were arrested under the National Security Act at different addresses in north-west and west London. Police confirmed this operation is not connected to the first.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the swift action of police and intelligence services. “These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats,” she said.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
