Counterterrorism cops have arrested eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, during coordinated raids across England amid investigations into two alleged terror plots.
The Met said five of the men were detained on Saturday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act against a specific, unnamed location.
The arrests took place in Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale and Manchester with support from regional police forces. Of those five, four are Iranian citizens; the nationality of the fifth remains unconfirmed.
In a separate, unrelated operation, three more Iranian nationals were arrested in London the same day. Police said investigations are ongoing and at an early stage, with multiple property searches under way in London, Greater Manchester and Swindon.
Commander Dominic Murphy, 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.” He urged the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
20 deadly Iranian plots disrupted in UK since 2022
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the arrests as “serious events,” adding: “The government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe.”
Although details of the suspected plots have not been made public, the threat follows repeated warnings from MI5. In October, MI5 chief Ken McCallum said authorities had disrupted 20 potentially deadly plots orchestrated by Iran since 2022, many targeting dissidents living in the UK.
Investigations continue as security agencies assess motives and potential risks to the public.
