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Police raids target 'terror plot' Police raids target 'terror plot'
(10 minutes later)
Eight people have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Birmingham after a "significant" operation involving police and security service MI5.Eight people have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Birmingham after a "significant" operation involving police and security service MI5.
A number of houses in the city have been sealed off after morning raids. A number of addresses in the city have been sealed off after morning raids.
Security sources have told the BBC the alleged plot would not have involved mass casualties but marked "a different approach to terrorism in the UK".Security sources have told the BBC the alleged plot would not have involved mass casualties but marked "a different approach to terrorism in the UK".
The "nationwide operation" involved the Midlands counter terrorism unit, west Midlands Police and the Met Police.The "nationwide operation" involved the Midlands counter terrorism unit, west Midlands Police and the Met Police.
Some of the raids are thought to have been in the Alum Rock area of the city. At least four addresses in Birmingham were targeted as part of the 0400 GMT raids.
BBC News website readers have also reported police activity in the early hours of Wednesday morning on Stratford Road, in the Sparkhill area. Two residential houses and a general store in the Alum Rock area were raided as well as a book store in the Sparkhill area.
Police have cordoned off roads around Jackson Road and Foxton Road, in Alum Rock, and Poplar Road and Stratford Road, in Sparkhill.
Police have not confirmed any of the raided addresses.
Public co-operationPublic co-operation
The eight are suspected of "the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism".The eight are suspected of "the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism".
The Home Office said Home Secretary John Reid had been fully briefed.The Home Office said Home Secretary John Reid had been fully briefed.
"This operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face," a spokeswoman said."This operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face," a spokeswoman said.
In a statement, West Midlands Police asked for the "continued support and co-operation of the public".In a statement, West Midlands Police asked for the "continued support and co-operation of the public".
"Our message to people living in the West Midlands is to remain vigilant," the statement added."Our message to people living in the West Midlands is to remain vigilant," the statement added.
The raided houses are now being searched by officers.The raided houses are now being searched by officers.

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