Two people have been arrested in London on suspicion of spying for Iran, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
A 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man have been apprehended at addresses in the capital for assisting Iran’s intelligence service.
They have since been released on bail, under strict conditions, the Met said.
The arrests took place yesterday, with the police attending properties in north and north-west London.
Both were arrested on suspicion of an offence under section three of the National Security Act 2023 – assisting a foreign intelligence service, the force confirmed.
Two searches were carried out on June 24 at properties in the north and north west of London, in which further enquiries followed.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: “We know that news of these arrests will come as a concern to some members of the public, but I want to stress that we do not believe there to be any imminent threat to the wider public in connection with this matter.
“We’ve seen a marked increase in the tempo of our work linked to national security and state threats over the past year and this investigation is a continuation of that.
The overall terrorism threat in the UK is ‘severe’
|
GETTY“As we’ve shown here, if we suspect any activity could threaten the safety of the UK or the public, then we will not hesitate to take action.
“I would also like to remind the public that the overall terrorism threat level is at severe, so we continue to ask for everyone’s support through being vigilant, and if you see or hear anything that doesn’t look right, then please, trust your instincts, and report it to us.”
MORE TO FOLLOW…