UK terror threat: Four arrested on terrorism suspicion in London and West Yorkshire raids

Five suspected terrorists have this morning (21 October) been arrested in London and West Yorkshire by counter terrorist officers. Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command arrested a 23-year-old man under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism, an a home in east London.

Officers continue to search the address, the location of which a Met spokesman could not reveal for "operational reasons", and a second residential address in east London. The man is being detained under Schedule 8 of Terrorism Act 2000 legislation.

The arrest came as four more people were detained in connection with Syria-related terror offences on the same day in West Yorkshire. Counter-terror officers detained three men and one woman and are searching five properties in Sheffield, Batley and Dewsbury.

Two men from Sheffield, aged 40 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act – preparation to commit an act of terrorism - while a 55-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man from Batley were arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 15 – terrorist fundraising.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clive Wain, Head of the North East Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "We understand that people may be concerned following today's arrests however we would like to reassure communities that today's activity is as a result of an ongoing investigation which is intelligence led. There is no evidence to suggest that communities are at risk."