Eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, have been taken into custody following two separate counter-terrorism investigations carried out by UK police.

In the first operation, five men were arrested on Saturday at various locations across England, including Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester. According to the Metropolitan Police, the arrests were part of a pre-planned investigation into a potential plot targeting a specific location.

Four of those arrested are Iranian nationals aged 29, 29, 40, and 46. Authorities are still confirming the identity and nationality of the fifth man. While four were arrested under the Terrorism Act, the fifth was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Pace). All five remain in custody on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the unnamed premises believed to be targeted has been informed and is receiving police support. The investigation is being led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, with assistance from Greater Manchester Police, Wiltshire Police, and other counter-terrorism teams across the UK.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Counter Terrorism Command, said the inquiry is still in its early stages. "We are examining multiple lines of inquiry to understand the motive and assess any further risk to the public," he stated, urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.

In a separate and unrelated operation, three more men—also Iranian nationals aged 39, 44, and 55—were arrested under the National Security Act at different locations in north-west and west London. They are currently in custody as searches at the properties continue.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised law enforcement and security services for their swift action, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in responding to national security threats. Health Secretary Wes Streeting also expressed gratitude, highlighting the critical role of security personnel in protecting lives.

Police have reiterated that the two investigations are not connected. Photo by Ian Roberts, Wikimedia commons.