Armed police have been filmed storming the house of a terror suspect as they arrested seven Iranians in counter-terror raids across Britain.

Shocking footage shows the officers dressed in camouflage as they make their way round the corner of a building, carrying large guns and rucksacks.

They appear to escort a shirtless man out of the house in Rochdale, Manchester.

It comes as eight people have been arrested in similar raids across Britain amid two separate probes, with five detained over a ‘suspected plot to target a specific premises’.

The Metropolitan Police say officers apprehended the five men, four of whom are Iranian nationals, on Saturday, with all remaining in police custody.

Three Iranian nationals were also arrested in connection with a separate investigation.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who is head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said regarding the probe involving five men: ‘This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.

‘The investigation is still in its early stages, and we are exploring various lines of inquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.

Armed counter-terror police walk away with a suspect. The Home Secretary said: ‘These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats’

Officers are carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas in connection with the investigation. Pictured: police on the scene of East Street in Rochdale

The arrests and searches are being supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police, as well as officials from Counter Terrorism Policing from across the country. Pictured: police on the scene of East Street in Rochdale

‘We understand the public may be concerned and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.’

He added: ‘We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.’

Officers are carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas in connection with the investigation.

In a separate image from Swindon, Met Police officers are seen arresting a terror suspect outside Costa in the town centre.

Plain-clothed officers appear to search the man as he lies on his back, with locals watching on from a distance.

The arrests and searches are being supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police and Wiltshire Police, as well as officials from Counter Terrorism Policing from across the country.

The four Iranian nationals have been detained under the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006.

The fifth man was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).

In a separate image from Swindon, Met Police officers are seen arresting a terror suspect outside Costa in the town centre

In an early-morning statement on Sunday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) said: ‘I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe’

Read More

Anti-terror police worker sacked after joining confidential call in public library wins tribunal

Those arrested are said to be a 29-year-old man in the Swindon area; a 46-year-old man in west London; a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area; a 40-year-old man in the Rochdale area and a man whose age was not confirmed in the Manchester area.

Police said in a statement that Counter Terrorism Policing units had also taken three men into custody in London.

Two of the men, aged 39 and 44 respectively, were arrested at separate addresses in north-west London.

A 55-year-old man was also apprehended at a third address, located in west London.

The London trio were arrested and detained under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023 and remain in custody.

Searches continue at the three addresses across London.

In an early-morning statement on Sunday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: ‘I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe. Protecting national security is the first duty of Government and our police and security services have our strong support in their vital work.

‘These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats.

‘The Government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe.’