The Met Police have raided a second Swindon home after foiling a terror plot.
Counter Terrorism Command officers arrested an Iranian man outside Costa in Havlock Street last Saturday afternoon (3 May) – as dozens of shoppers watched the drama.
Specialist cops also forced entry to a shared house in Manchester Road. It’s believed the suspect lived at the address. Searches were carried out over several days.
Now, counter-terrorism police have taken over a property in Crombey Street. The force confirmed that it’s linked to the ongoing terrorism investigation.
Photos, taken at around 10am today (Saturday), show officers wearing protective blue boiler suits rummaging from bins in the alleyway behind the house.
It’s understood police have been at the address since Thursday (8 May), which is when Wiltshire 999s first received information about the police presence.
Wiltshire Police officers have been drafted in to guard the scene. At least two officers have been present, watching over the alleyway and front door day and night.
While The Met has confirmed the operation at the second address relates to the foiled terror plot – reportedly involving an attack on the Israeli embassy – further details have not been released as yet.
In a statement posted on X, Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran “categorically rejects any involvement in such actions” and “confirms that we have not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels”.
He added: “Iran has urged the UK to engage so that we may assist any probe into credible allegations. Timing and lack of engagement suggest that something is amiss.”
The Swindon suspect, aged 28, is believed to remain in police custody – where he is being questioned in connection with the plot.
In an update on 5 May, Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s CTC, said: “Our officers and staff are progressing what is a significant and highly complex investigation, and we still have searches and activity underway at multiple addresses across the country.
“We are working incredibly hard, with public safety at the forefront of our ongoing efforts.
“We believe that a specific premises was the target of this suspected plot and Counter Terrorism Policing officers remain in close contact with the affected premises.
“At this time, we will not be providing further information about the suspected target for reasons of operational security and public safety.”
Commander Murphy added: “I would like to ask people to support my officers in this and not to speculate or share information that has not been confirmed by Counter Terrorism Policing. We have clear and critical reasons not to provide more detail at this time.
“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.
“As always, I would ask the public 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 made arrests on Saturday and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”
