In a joint nationwide operation, forced from the Counter Terrorism Command, Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) unit and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) CTP arrested the five men today. According to the police, the five men were arrested on Monday morning at addresses in north London, Manchester and Peterborough. 

In a statement from the Met Police they said: “A 21-year-old man [A] was arrested in Manchester on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism under Section 40(1)(b) Terrorism Act (TACT) 2000.

“A 19-year-old man [B] was arrested in Peterborough and two men [D – 23yrs; E – 22yrs] were arrested in north London on suspicion of the same offence.

“A 19-year-old man [C] was also arrested in Peterborough on suspicion of encouraging terrorism, under section 1 of TACT 2000. This arrest was made under PACE.”

The police also stated the arrested were not made into a supposed threat on New Year’s Eve. 

Moreover, the operation was made in relation to the attack on Fishmongers’ Hall in London last month. 

The police added: “Searches are currently being carried out a number of addresses in Manchester, Peterborough and north London and the investigation is being led by detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command with support from CTPNW and ERSOU colleagues.”

Officers continue to search the respective areas. 

Last month, Cambridge University students, Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt were killed in attack in Fishmongers’ Hall.

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The attack then continued to London Bridge where the attacker, Usman Khan was confronted by members of the public. 

Khan, 28, was a convicted terrorist and was released in December 2018. 

After being tackled to the floor by the public, he was later shot dead by the police. 

In a statement, Mr Merritt’s family described him as a “talented” man who died “doing what he loved”. 

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It continued: “Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog.

“Jack was an intelligent, thoughtful and empathetic person.”

Ms Jones’ family also praised her daughter, who they said had a “great passion” for supporting victims of criminal justice. 

Her family wrote: “Saskia was a funny, kind, positive influence at the centre of many people’s lives

“She had a wonderful sense of mischievous fun and was generous to the point of always wanting to see the best in all people.

“She was intent on living life to the full and had a wonderful thirst for knowledge, enabling her to be the best she could be.”

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