Two men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences thanks to the eagle eyes of officers who were on patrol in central London.
At around 00:10 hours on Thursday 12th November, two men were seen by police officers to be acting suspiciously.
The suspicious males were in a vehicle that was in the Westminster area at the time.
Officers indicated for the vehicle to stop on Pall Mall, which it then did so without incident.
The officers then searched the males and the vehicle.
As a result of what was found, officers arrested the two men – both 34-year-olds from east London – on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Met Police Counter Terrorism Command is leading the subsequent investigation.
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command, said:
“Every day, police officers are on patrol across the Capital, watching for suspicious behaviour and stopping people they suspect may be involved in criminality.
“The public can help us continue to keep London safe by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious behaviour to police.
“Following the increase to the UK threat level from terrorism last week – as a precautionary measure in response to recent events in France and Austria – I would like to emphasise that the public should be alert but not alarmed.”
The incident comes nine days after the UK terrorism threat level was raised from “substantial” to “severe” following a series of terrorist attacks across Europe.
Members of the public are being asked to report suspicious behaviour by calling the police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or filling in a brief form online at www.gov.uk/act
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