Two arrested in London on suspicion of assisting Iran

A 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man have been arrested in north and north-west London as part of a national security investigation. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests were made on Wednesday, 9 September, on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act 2023, specifically assisting a foreign intelligence service linked to Iran.

Investigation Details

The arrests followed earlier searches of residential addresses in north and north-west London that took place on 24 June. Enquiries continued after these initial searches, leading to the arrests. A third residential property in the north-west London area was also searched on 9 September, following the apprehension of the two suspects. Both individuals were taken to a London police station and subsequently released on bail. Their bail conditions are strict and remain in place until a date in late October.

No Imminent Public Threat

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, addressed public concern, stating that there is no perceived imminent threat to the wider public in connection with this investigation. She noted an increase in national security and state threat investigations over the past year. Commander Flanagan also clarified that this investigation is separate from recent incidents targeting Jewish and Iranian communities in London, and is not linked to the upcoming High Holy Days period.

The public is reminded that the overall terrorism threat level remains at severe. Commander Flanagan urged vigilance and encouraged anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious to report it to the police via www.gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321. In emergencies, the public should always dial 999.