Five arrested on suspicion of ‘preparation of terrorist act’

The four men were arrested on Saturday May 3 as part of what the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command calls a proactive investigation. 

Officers say this was part of a suspected plot to target a specific premises, which is now receiving specialist support from police.

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.

A forensics officer on the scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

“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 arrest in Rochdale took place on East Street, a small terraced street on the outskirts of the town.

An area was taped off (Image: Phil Taylor) One eyewitness said: “I was about start making tea it was about half past five and my husband was in the garden and said to get in.”

“We could see out of the upstairs window about 30 armed police officers with guns and riot gear, a couple of them in camouflage.

“It seemed like they were sneaking up to the house, there was a massive explosion, and it sounded like they’d blown their way in through the doors.”

An officer stood at the scene (Image: Phil Taylor) She added: “Then about five minutes later they had a man outside in his underpants and they told him to get on his knees.

“We didn’t know the person who lived there who was arrested, we hadn’t seen him before.”

Police arrested a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area, a 40-year-old man in the Rochdale area and a man whose age is to be confirmed in the Manchester area.

They also arrested a 29-year-old man in the Swindon area and a 46-year-old man in West London.

The Met Police say they were supported by Greater Manchester Police and by Wiltshire Police along with their colleagues from counter terrorism units across the country.

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Officers say all five men were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. 

Four of the men are Iranian nationals and were detained under TACT. 
The nationality of the fifth man, arrested in Manchester, is still being established and he was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). 

The Met Police say that all five men currently remain in police custody.

Members of the public have been advised to always call 999 in an emergency. 
 

Source – INDIA TV