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Six arrested in London over alleged terror plot Six arrested in London over alleged terror plot
(40 minutes later)
Counter-terrorism officers have staged raids in London to arrest six people over a suspected plot to attack targets in Britain. Three brothers from Stratford – home to the Olympic Games – have been arrested in a pre-planned counter-terrorism operation.
One person was shot with a stun gun and Scotland Yard said armed officers had been deployed during the arrests, which is an unusual decision and indicative of the risk counter-terrorism chiefs thought officers faced in detaining the suspects. The three were among six individuals – including one woman – whom investigators arrested on Thursday. The group is understood to have included a former police and community support officer for the Metropolitan police, but Scotland Yard would not confirm that detail.
Five men and a woman were arrested in what police said was an intelligence-led operation believed to have gone on for several weeks. The raids were carried out by counter-terrorism officers investigating a suspected plot to attack targets in Britain. Although police said they were not linked to any threat to the Olympics, officials say they will intervene quicker than usual in disrupting suspected plots in the runup to the event, which counter-terrorism forces fear is a major target.
One person was shot with a Taser stun gun and Scotland Yard said armed officers had been deployed during the arrests, which is an unusual decision and indicative of the risk counter-terrorism chiefs thought officers faced in detaining the suspects.
Five men and one woman were arrested in what police said was an intelligence-led operation believed to have gone on for several weeks.
The six were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Officials believe they are dealing with a plot inspired by al-Qaida ideology.The six were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Officials believe they are dealing with a plot inspired by al-Qaida ideology.
Police said the arrests were not linked to any threat to the Olympic Games, but officials say they will intervene quicker than usual in disrupting suspected plots in the runup to the event, which counter-terrorism officials fear is a major target. The six people were taken to a south-east London police station for questioning. In another unusual occurrence, a 29-year-old man was arrested in a west London street. Usually, police prefer to arrest suspects at their homes.
The six arrested were taken to a south-east London police station for questioning. In an unusual feature, a 29-year-old man was arrested in west London street. Police prefer to arrest suspects while they are at home. A Met spokesman said those arrested included a 21-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman who were detained at separate residential addresses in west London. Three other men, aged 18, 24, and 26, were arrested at residential properties in east London.
A Met spokesman said the arrests included a 21-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman who were detained at separate residential addresses in west London. Three other men, aged 18, 24, and 26, were arrested in east London at residential addresses. One of those held was a white British convert to Islam who grew up in Dorset, a source in the Muslim community said. Police would not confirm the claim.
One of those held is a white British convert who grew up in Dorset, a source in the Muslim community said. Police would not confirm the claim. A Met spokesman said: "Searches under the Terrorism Act 2000 are being carried out at eight residential premises in east, west and north London and one business premises in east London. Public safety remains our overriding concern. Today's operation in London is not linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games."
The arrests in east London took place in Stratford, where two brothers are understood to have been among those detained.
A Met spokesman said: "Searches under the Terrorism Act 2000 are being carried out at eight residential premises in east, west and north London and one business premises in east London. Public safety remains our overriding concern. Today's operation in London is not linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"The men and woman were all arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000."
It is understood MI5 played an active role in the operation. Investigative sources suggested there was no imminent threat but officers believed there was enough evidence to act.It is understood MI5 played an active role in the operation. Investigative sources suggested there was no imminent threat but officers believed there was enough evidence to act.
MI5 and the police have said repeatedly they were monitoring a number of groups that could pose a threat to national security, and they had been focusing on "nipping plots in the bud".MI5 and the police have said repeatedly they were monitoring a number of groups that could pose a threat to national security, and they had been focusing on "nipping plots in the bud".
Scotland Yard and MI5 are on a state of high alert, with less than a month to go before the Games. Police may make more arrests in the coming weeks as officers become more risk-averse.Scotland Yard and MI5 are on a state of high alert, with less than a month to go before the Games. Police may make more arrests in the coming weeks as officers become more risk-averse.