Israeli embassy in London was target of suspected terror plot

 Israeli embassy in London was target of suspected terror plot

Image source,Getty Images

Image caption,

Police block the entrance to the Israeli embassy during a protest in March

The Israeli embassy in London was the alleged target of five Iranian men arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism, the BBC understands.

Police have not yet confirmed that the embassy in Kensington was the suspected target, as first reported by the Times, external, citing operational reasons. But the BBC understands the report is accurate.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism command, said it was a "fast-moving" investigation and there were "significant operational reasons" why the force could not provide further details.

Iran "categorically rejects" any involvement, said the Iranian foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, on the social media site X. He added his country was ready to assist with the investigation.

The men - two aged 29, a 40-year-old, a 24-year-old and another aged 46 - were arrested on Saturday over an alleged plan to target "a specific premises", the Met said. The men were arrested in Swindon, west London, Stockport, Rochdale and Manchester.

FULL ARTICLE AT: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8g8jlx33xo