Counter-terror police make ‘significant’ arrests as alleged plot is foiled

The arrests, in London and Birmingham were reported in the press this morning, but this, in the Guardian, is the first report i have seen that confirms it to be Islamic terrorism. 

Counter-terrorism officials believe they have foiled another plot to attack the UK with two men arrested by armed police and investigations continuing on Wednesday.

The arrests, described as “significant”, took place on Tuesday afternoon, the first in north London and the second in Birmingham. The alleged plot is believed to have been inspired by Islamic State propaganda and one of the more serious seen this year, investigators believe.

Police chiefs assessed that armed officers were needed to make the arrests, which were the result of a decision by counter-terrorism police and MI5, the domestic security agency, after a joint operation.

The two men, aged 21 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism contrary to section 40 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They are in custody and being questioned, and searches are under way in London and Birmingham.

Police gave few details about the arrests, which were made by officers from the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command, firearms officers and the counter-terrorism unit covering the West Midlands.

The Met said: “The officers arrested a 20-year-old man in north London and a 21-year-old man in south-east Birmingham at approximately 14.50hrs and 16.30hrs respectively on Tuesday 28 November. Both are being detained in custody under the Terrorism Act at a south-east London police station. Searches at addresses in south-east Birmingham and north London are ongoing.”