British police have arrested five men—including four Iranian nationals—on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and posing a threat to national security.
The arrests, which took place on Saturday, May 4, in Swindon, West London, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester, are part of what the UK government has called “the largest counter-terror operation in recent years.”
The suspects, aged 29 to 46, are being questioned, though no charges have yet been filed. Police have searched multiple properties in London, Manchester, and Swindon. At least three of the Iranians were arrested under Section 27 of the National Security Act, which allows detention without a warrant if someone is suspected of threatening a foreign state’s security.
Eyewitnesses described dramatic scenes. One man in Rochdale reported hearing a loud explosion before armed officers stormed a house and dragged out a suspect. In Swindon, undercover officers arrested a suspect inside a café after casually ordering coffee and donuts.