Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack as part of a crack-down operation across the UK.
Four of the detained men are Iranian nationals living in several different parts of England – they were arrested on Saturday under the Terrorism Act.
Two of the men are aged 29, one was arrested in Swindon and the other in Stockport.
The third man is 46 and was arrested in west London, while the fourth, a 40-year-old man, was arrested in Rochdale.
The age and nationality of the fifth man is still being established, he was also detained on Saturday under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
The sweep was part of an investigation by the Counter Terrorism Police, which relates to a suspected plot to target a specific location.
Officers have been in contact with the potential target.
They are continuing to carry out a number of searches in Greater Manchester, London and Swindon.
Pictured: Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack as part of a crack-down operation across the UK
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head 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.
‘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.
‘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.’
The arrests and searches are being supported by Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police alongside members of Counter Terrorism Policing across the country.
