Five arrested under anti-terrorism laws

Five men were arrested under anti-terrorism laws in dawn raids across Birmingham yesterday, police said. The men, aged between 29 and 36, were held on suspicion of being involved in the "commission, preparation or instigation of an act of...

Five men were arrested under anti-terrorism laws in dawn raids across Birmingham yesterday, police said.

The men, aged between 29 and 36, were held on suspicion of being involved in the "commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism".

West Midlands Police said the operation followed a "long and complex investigation". It gave no more details.

"It is not related to any immediate plot or threat to public safety and police are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to these arrests," a police statement added.

The arrests were carried out at five addresses in the city. Two businesses were also being searched.

The security service MI5 grades the current threat of a terrorist attack as severe, the second-highest level. That means an attack is thought to be "highly likely".

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