BREAKING NEWS: Police given extra week to question four Iranians arrested on suspicion of planning 'imminent terror strike in UK'

Police have been given more time to question four Iranian men suspected of preparing an imminent terror strike.

It was alleged this week that the target was the Israeli Embassy in London, although this has not been confirmed by counter terror police, who have asked people not to speculate.

The four men who were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences can now be detained and questioned until Saturday, 17 May.

It is the second week-long extension to be approved.

They were arrested on Saturday, 3 May, as part of a national pre-planned operation and are as follows - a 29-year-old man arrested in the Swindon area, a 46-year-old man arrested in west London, a 29-year-old man arrested in the Stockport area and a 40-year-old man arrested in the Rochdale area.

A 24-year-old man was also arrested in the Manchester area.

All five men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. Four of the men [A-D] were detained under TACT.

The fifth man, from Manchester, was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). He has now been released on bail, with conditions, to a date in May.

As part of the investigation, officers continue to carry out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Our officers and staff continue to progress what is a significant and highly complex investigation. We are working incredibly hard with public safety at the forefront of our ongoing efforts.

“I would like to ask people to not speculate or share information that has not been confirmed by Counter Terrorism Policing. We have clear and critical reasons for not providing further details at this time. As soon as we can, we will look to share further information with the public.

“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 last Saturday and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”

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."

he Iranian foreign minister said there was a "history of third parties bent on derailing diplomacy and provoking escalation, resorting to desperate measures, including false flag operations".

"Iran stands ready to engage to shed light on what has truly inspired, and we reiterate that UK authorities should afford our citizens due process," he added.

It was also suggested today that at least one of the arrested men could have entered the country via the Channel crossings.

A source told The Sun: “These claims have shocked the counter- terror team who have reported it up their chain of command.

“It has also sent shockwaves around Whitehall and those at the top of government. If proven, it just shows the problems we are facing.

“Normally a terrorist might be sent posing as a tourist with a false passport, but advances in biometrics have made that more difficult.

“The team think at least one of the group is a small boat migrant — and it could be that more than one is."

Essex News and Investigations had already reported how huge numbers of Iranians have entered the UK via the Channel before claiming asylum.