Four arrested on suspicion of spying on Jewish community in London for Iran

The four men were arrested on suspicion of assisting the Iranian intelligence service by spying on places and people linked to London’s Jewish community.

Detectives from London Counter Terrorism Police said the men, one Iranian national and three British/Iranian nationals, were detained at addresses in Barnet, Watford and Harrow shortly after 1am on Friday as part of a pre-planned operation.

The Metropolitan Police said the people arrested were aged 52, 40, 55 and 22 and searches were ongoing at their addresses.

Six men aged 29, 39, 42, 49 and two more aged 20 were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender at the same location in Harrow.

All 10 people are being detained.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of London Counter Terrorism Police, said: “Today’s arrests are part of a long-running investigation and our ongoing work to disrupt malicious activity where we suspect it.

“We understand that the public, particularly the Jewish community, may be concerned and, as always, I ask that they remain vigilant and contact us if they see or hear anything that concerns them.”