Four Iranian men arrested on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack in London could remain in custody for an additional week, according to police statements made on Saturday.
Last week, five men were taken into custody by armed officers, and it’s reported that at least one member of the special forces was involved in the operation.
The arrested individuals include a 29-year-old from Swindon, a 46-year-old from West London, another 29-year-old from Stockport, a 40-year-old from Rochdale, and a 24-year-old from Manchester.
All suspects, who are Iranian, were detained on May 3 for allegedly planning a terrorist act, as noted by the Metropolitan Police.
The four men held under the Terrorist Act could be kept in custody until May 17, following a warrant granted on Saturday. The fifth suspect, detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, has been released on conditional bail until that same date.
Reports suggest that the Israeli Embassy in West London may have been the intended target, though police have not disclosed further information, according to various news sources.
“We are committed to upholding public safety,” said CMDR Dominic Murphy of the Met Counterterrorism Command. He urged the public not to speculate or share unverified information regarding the situation.
Murphy emphasized that there are significant reasons for withholding certain details at this time but mentioned that they aim to provide more information to the public as soon as possible.
He noted that the Met is collaborating with local police, conducting searches at multiple locations in Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon.
In an ongoing effort, Murphy reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity they might observe.
Additionally, three Iranian men were arrested last weekend in north London under the 2023 National Security Act as part of another counterterrorism inquiry carried out by the Met. Another Iranian, suspected of engaging in “foreign electricity threat activity,” was apprehended in North London on Friday as part of the same investigation.
