Eight men arrested in England in two counter-terror operations

British counter-terrorism officers have arrested eight men in two unrelated operations carried out on Saturday, according to statements released by the Metropolitan Police.

Five individuals were apprehended at various locations—Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester—as part of what police described as a "pre-planned" operation targeting a potential act of terrorism, BBC reported.

Authorities said the arrests were made in connection with an alleged plot to attack a "specific premises," which has since been secured and is being supported by officers. The nature of the intended target was not disclosed.

Among the five detained, four are confirmed to be Iranian nationals, aged 29, 29, 40, and 46. The fifth individual’s age and nationality are still being verified. Police said four of the suspects were arrested under the Terrorism Act, while one was taken into custody under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. All five are suspected of preparing an act of terrorism and remain in custody as investigations continue.

The second operation, unrelated to the first, led to the arrest of three additional Iranian men—aged 39, 44, and 55—in separate raids across north-west and west London. These arrests were made under the National Security Act, and searches are ongoing at their residences.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who heads the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism command, emphasized that both investigations are still in early stages. “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,” he said. “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.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the police and intelligence services for their swift response. “These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats,” she stated. “I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe.”

The investigation involving the five men is being led by the Met’s counter-terrorism unit in coordination with Greater Manchester Police, Wiltshire Police, and counter-terror teams nationwide.