Terror police arrest eight men - five over 'suspected plot to target specific premises'

Eight men have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police in two unconnected terrorism investigations.

In one operation on Saturday, counter-terror officers arrested five men, four of whom are Iranian nationals. All are in police custody.

The Met said the arrests related to a "suspected plot to target a specific premises". In an update shortly after midnight, the force said: "Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time." It added officers were carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas in connection with the investigation.

It said those detained were: • A 29-year-old man arrested in the Swindon area• A 46-year-old man arrested in west London• A 29-year-old man arrested in the Stockport area• A 40-year-old man arrested in the Rochdale area• A man whose age was not confirmed arrested in the Manchester area. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: "This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.

"The investigation is still in its early stages and 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. "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.

"We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I'd like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support." Terror arrests in separate investigation Police also arrested three further Iranian nationals in London on Saturday as part of another, unrelated counter terror investigation. The suspects were detained under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023, which allows police to arrest those suspected of being "involved in foreign power threat activity".

Read more from Sky News:Pictured: Boy killed in fire - 14 children arrestedLady Gaga puts on biggest-ever show for free Home secretary Yvette Cooper said in a statement: "I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe. "Protecting national security is the first duty of government and our police and security services have our strong support in their vital work." She added: "These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats.".