THE Metropolitan Police say officers from the Counter Terrorism Command have today arrested five men in Luton on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The men are aged 30, 24, 21, 35 and 23.
All five were arrested at separate residential addresses in Luton. They have been taken to a central London police station where they remain in custody.
The arrests were a part of a pre-planned, intelligence-led operation.
Search warrants were also executed under the Terrorism Act 2000 at five residential addresses in Luton in connection with this inquiry and searches are ongoing.
A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police, which assisted in the raids, said the searches were expected to take at least 24 hours
“The arrests were made under the Terrorism Act, by unarmed officers.
“No roads have been closed and there is no danger to other nearby residents. Families of those people who have been arrested have been advised to find alternative accommodation while the searches go on to minimise inconvenience to themselves, and if necessary the police will assist them with this.
“In the planning of these search warrants, full consideration has been given to treating those arrested, and especially their families, with appropriate respect for cultural and religious identity as far as is possible.”
Bedfordshire Police officers from the local policing team are in the area and will be for the duration of the operation.
Anyone with concerns or who would like to give information to the police about this or any other operation, should call the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.