The Israeli embassy in London was the target of an alleged terror attack plot, it has been widely reported.
Specialist officers from the Met Police’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) arrested a suspect in Swindon town centre on Saturday (3 May).
The man, now known to be an Iranian national, is being questioned over plans to attack the Israeli embassy in London, it’s understood.
In a statement posted on X, Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said: “We are seeing stories in the media that Iranian nationals are allegedly involved in a supposed plot to target the Israeli embassy in London.
“Iran in no uncertain terms categorically rejects any involvement in such actions and confirms that we have not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels.
“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.”
Police spent several days combing what is believed to be a shared house in Manchester Road, where it’s thought the suspect lived.
The Met Police arrested a total of five Iranian men across the UK on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, and four of those suspects – including the 29-year-old man from Swindon – remain in custody. A fifth man was released on bail.
Warrants of further detention were secured – which means the four detainees can be questioned until 10 May.
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.”
