Five men have been arrested, including three in Greater Manchester, as part of a counter-terrorism operation investigating a suspected plot to target a specific premises.
Armed officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command carried out a series of coordinated raids on Saturday evening (3 May), arresting individuals in Rochdale, Stockport and Manchester, as well as in Swindon and west London.
A 40-year-old man was detained at a property on East Street, Rochdale. Residents reported a loud bang before witnessing a shirtless man being led away by officers. A second man, aged 29, was arrested in the Stockport area following a separate operation on Heathbank Road in Cheadle Hulme. A third arrest was made in Manchester, although the suspect’s age has not yet been confirmed.
Simultaneous activity saw a 29-year-old man arrested in Swindon, and a 46-year-old man taken into custody in west London.
The arrests are part of a pre-planned operation targeting what authorities describe as a "suspected plot to target a specific premises." All five men have been arrested on suspicion of the preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Four of the suspects – those arrested in Rochdale, Stockport, Swindon, and west London – are believed to be Iranian nationals. The nationality of the fifth man is still being established.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, described the investigation as “fast-moving,” noting that officers are still in the early stages of piecing together motives and assessing the broader risks involved.
“We are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated,” Commander Murphy said. “We understand the public may be concerned and I would ask them to remain vigilant.”
Police confirmed that they are actively liaising with the impacted site to provide support and guidance, although further details remain confidential for operational reasons.
The raids, led by the Met Police, were supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police, Wiltshire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing nationally. As of Sunday morning, a heavy police presence remained on East Street, Rochdale, where the front door of the targeted house appeared severely damaged from forced entry.
All five suspects remain in custody while searches continue at several locations across Greater Manchester, London and Swindon.
The Metropolitan Police has appealed to the public for continued vigilance. Anyone with concerns is urged to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or report online at www.gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, always dial 999.
New ‘temporary’ entrance to Bury’s tram stop will be needed for at least three years
Campaign backed by Rochdale MP prompts tougher hate crime laws
Rochdale students win national award for innovative Wheatsheaf revamp plan
Firefighters tackle Whitefield house blaze as five taken to hospital
Man arrested over indecent exposure incidents near Wardle parks
'You've got a friend in me' as Whitworth wind band hits new high with over 40 players from across the school community
'Heywood is leading the way' as minister hails £20m regeneration plan as town becomes national model
“We’re in this together” as Bury unites for first suicide prevention conference
Teen jiu jitsu champion brings home European gold to Rochdale
Rochdale fans invited to join Her Game Too as club strengthens anti-sexism drive
Middleton Arena shut by warehouse fire but members can still swim and gym at no extra cost
THREE days on, Middleton fire still burning as crews forced to TEAR DOWN building
Comments
Add a comment