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Terrorism arrests

December 20, 2010

British police have arrested 12 men suspected of preparing a terrorist attack. Officers raided homes in four cities early on Monday.

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British police stand watching news of the London bombings in July 2005
The terror threat level in Britain is currently "severe"Image: AP

Twelve men have been arrested in Britain on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack.

Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Monday in London, Birmingham, nearby Stoke-on-Trent and Cardiff.

"This is a large-scale, pre-planned and intelligence-led operation involving several forces," said Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner John Yates, the national head of counter-terrorism policing. "I believe it was necessary at this time to take action in order to ensure public safety."

The suspects were aged between 17 and 28. Five were from Cardiff, four from Stoke-on-Trent, and three from London.

The men were being held at police stations across Britain. Police searched their homes.

Britain's current terror threat level is "severe," meaning that an attack is "highly likely."

Author: Thomas Sheldrick (Reuters, AFP)
Editor: Nancy Isenson

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