Three men have been arrested in Greater Manchester following a series of dramatic counter terrorism raids linked to an alleged plot to target specific premises, police have confirmed.
Armed officers from the Metropolitan Police carried out a major raid at a residential property in Rochdale on the evening of Saturday, 3 May. Local residents reported a loud explosion followed by dozens of heavily armed officers storming the property and arresting a man, described as shirtless, who was led from the house with his hands restrained behind his back.
The raid in Rochdale was one of three simultaneous counter terrorism operations carried out across the region. A 40-year-old man was arrested in Rochdale, a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area, and another man, whose age has not been confirmed, was arrested in the Manchester area.
The Met Police have also confirmed that further arrests were made elsewhere in the country as part of the same investigation. A 29-year-old man was arrested in Swindon and a 46-year-old man was arrested in west London. Four of the men are understood to be Iranian nationals.
The raids are connected to an ongoing investigation into a suspected plot to target specific premises in the UK. Searches are also continuing in locations in London and Swindon.
Neighbour Describes ‘Biggest Operation I’ve Ever Seen’
One resident on the Rochdale street described the raid as “like something out of a film”, estimating there were around 100 officers involved.
“There was screaming and shouting and a smell of gunpowder,” said the witness. “It was a massive operation. The biggest I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. It was like the amount of police you get at a football match but they were all armed to the hilt.”
Another neighbour recounted the dramatic moment police stormed the property. “There was a massive, loud explosion – I believe it was some sort of detonator used to blast the door open,” he said. “I saw someone in his underpants being led out with his hands tied behind his back.”
Residents described the area as “usually quiet” and expressed shock at the scale of the operation.
Metropolitan Police Confirm Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police have yet to release full details of the alleged plot but confirmed all five men were arrested as part of a co-ordinated counter terrorism investigation. All suspects remain in custody while the investigation continues.
Police have urged anyone with information relevant to the case to contact counter terrorism officers or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
The full facts surrounding the case and any potential charges are expected to be revealed in due course.
For ongoing updates on this story and more public safety alerts, follow your local news channel and official police communications.
