Five held by anti-terror police in UK

Five men were arrested today as anti-terror police in Britain swooped on addresses in the north west and a hotel near Heathrow Airport.

Officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit began the “low key” operation at 4am raiding houses in Greater Manchester.

Police sources said there was no imminent terrorist danger to the area and the arrests were related to an alleged overseas threat.

The properties were sealed off and searched as four men were taken into custody for questioning under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The suspects included a 52-year-old from Victoria Terrace, Longsight, a 21-year-old arrested at Bowdon Avenue, Fallowfield, a 62-year-old at Willows Lane, Deane, Bolton, and a 27-year-old held at Rydal Walk, Stalybridge.

Police searched a house at Stockport Road, Levenshulme, but no arrests were made there.

Another man, aged 26, was detained at a hotel near London’s Heathrow Airport.

A police spokesman said: “People living in nearby communities will see a high profile police presence during the day and will be able to discuss issues with local officers.

“This was a low-key operation and no armed officers were involved.

“There is no further information available at this time.”