An Iranian man suspected of being a terrorist has been arrested in Swindon town centre — as police work to stop a planned attack.
Met Police officers, from the Counter Terrorism Command, visited the town on Saturday afternoon (3 May) after a terror plot was foiled.
Five men were arrested — including a 29-year-old man in Swindon. He’s believed to have been detained outside Costa in Havlock Street.
Footage sent to Wiltshire 999s shows a man lying on his back as plain-clothed officers search his body. Other officers stopped pedestrians from passing as they made the arrest.
Police also closed Manchester Road as armed officers raided a property — again believed to be part of the operation.
The other four suspected terrorists were from London, Stockport, Rochdale and Manchester.
All five men were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act after plans to attack a site was uncovered. However, the location of the planned attack has not been confirmed.
Four of the men, including the suspect from Swindon, Iranian nationals and were detained under TACT. They remain in custody for questioning.
The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises, a Met spokesperson said.
They added that officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, the force is not able to confirm the location.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.
“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.
“We understand the public may be concerned and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.
“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.”
