Five Men Nabbed in UK Counter-Terror Raids
Five men have been arrested across north London, Manchester, and Peterborough in a major counter-terror swoop. The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, along with teams from Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) and Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), made the arrests early on Monday, 30 December.
Suspects Held Over Terror Offences
- A 21-year-old man in Manchester was arrested on suspicion of preparing or instigating terrorism, under Section 40(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
- A 19-year-old in Peterborough and two men aged 22 and 23 in north London were also detained for the same offence.
- Another 19-year-old in Peterborough was arrested for encouraging terrorism, under Section 1 of the Terrorism Act. This arrest was made under PACE.
Police Assurance and Ongoing Investigations
All five suspects remain in custody as police conduct searches at multiple addresses in the three regions. Detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command lead the investigations with support from CTPNW and ERSOU.
Officials confirmed the arrests were part of a planned operation with no immediate threat to the public. Importantly, the arrests are not connected to the Fishmongers’ Hall attack in London last month, or to upcoming New Year’s Day celebrations.
Enquiries are ongoing as police hunt for more details.
