UK terror plot: 5 arrested after international counter-terrorism investigation

Five people from Birmingham have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Four suspects, three men aged 26, 40 and 59 and a 29-year-old woman, were arrested in Birmingham with a fifth man, 26, currently held at Gatwick Airport.

West Midlands Police said the arrests arrive as part of a counterterrorism investigation, with French and Belgium authorities, examining potential threats to the UK following recent attacks in Europe. All five suspects are currently in custody. Police are also searching a number of properties in Birmingham as part of the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale, who leads on counterterrorism for the West Midlands, said: "This action forms part of an extensive investigation by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU), together with the wider counter terrorism network, MI5 and international partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe.

"The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led. There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned," said Beale.