The Israeli embassy in Kensington, west London, was reportedly the target of a planned terror attack by a group of Iranian nationals, according to The Times.

Counter-terrorism police carried out coordinated raids across the UK, arresting eight men in two major operations. Arrests took place at multiple locations including north-west and west London, Swindon, Stockport, and Manchester.

Though authorities have not officially confirmed the intended target, The Times and later The Telegraph reported that the Israeli embassy was central to the alleged plot.

Dramatic footage showed armed officers and military personnel raiding a home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, where one suspect was detained.

Four of the men, aged between 29 and 46, remain in custody for questioning. One suspect, aged 24, has been released on bail.

Separately, a 33-year-old man was recently charged with preparing terrorist acts after allegedly attempting to break into the Israeli embassy. However, officials say this case is not connected to the latest arrests. Photo by Chesdovi, Wikimedia commons.