Eight people have been arrested by counter-terror police in two separate overnight raids.
The men were arrested on Saturday – four of whom are Iranian nationals.
They remain in police custody.
The Metropolitan Police said the arrests were linked to a “suspected plot to target a specific premises.”
The Metropolitan Police said the arrests were linked to a “suspected plot to target a specific premises”
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In a statement issued shortly after midnight, the force confirmed that officers had contacted the site in question to offer advice and support, but added: “For operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time.”
Searches are currently underway at multiple addresses in Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon as part of the ongoing investigation.
Those arrested in the first incident were: 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 whose age was not confirmed was also arrested in the Manchester area.
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Police also arrested three additional Iranian nationals in London on Saturday in connection with a separate counter-terrorism investigation.
The individuals were held under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023, which permits the arrest of those suspected of engaging in “foreign power threat activity.”
Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said of the first arrest: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.
“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.
Police also arrested three additional Iranian nationals in London on Saturday
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“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.
“We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”
