British police foil terrorist attack - five arrested

Four of the men arrested on Saturday, are Iranian nationals and the nationality of the fifth is still being established.

The Met's Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation which resulted in the arrests of: a 29-year-old man in the Swindon area; a 46-year-old man in west London; a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area; a 40-year-old man in the Rochdale area; a fifth man in the Manchester area.

All five men were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. They remain in custody.

"This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated, Head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command Commander Dominic Murphy said.

"The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter," he said.

"We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I'd like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support."

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and "if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us".