Eight individuals, including seven Iranian nationals, have been arrested in the UK following two major counter-terrorism operations conducted across multiple locations in England, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Five of the suspects were apprehended on Saturday amid allegations of planning an attack on what authorities described as a “specific premises,” identified with support from counter-terror experts.
Although the exact location was not disclosed, security forces are said to be in close coordination with those affected.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the arrests were connected to “serious events” and underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the national security framework.
“These developments highlight the continued need to adapt our approach to emerging threats,” she stated.
According to Scotland Yard, the five suspects — including four Iranian men — are being held under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act, suspected of plotting acts of terrorism. Three were detained in the Manchester area, with others arrested in west London and Swindon.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, described the investigation as “fast-moving” and in its early stages.
He noted that multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued, including assessing any potential motives and broader risks to public safety.
“We recognise this news may cause concern, and we encourage the public to stay alert. If anyone sees or hears anything suspicious, they should report it immediately,” said Murphy, who also thanked regional police units for their cooperation.
In a separate and unrelated counter-terrorism operation on the same day, three more Iranian men were arrested in London.
Two of them, aged 39 and 44, were taken into custody at different addresses in north-west London, while a 55-year-old man was arrested in west London.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that this second set of arrests is not connected to the earlier operation. Investigations into both incidents remain active.
UK Home Secretary Cooper expressed her gratitude to the UK’s police and intelligence services: “I want to thank the police and our security forces for their swift and decisive action. Safeguarding national security remains the government’s top priority, and we will continue to back our security agencies in their critical mission to protect the public.”
