'SPECIAL FORCES TERROR SWOOP'

EIGHT men, including seven Iranians, were arrested in raids by counter terror cops in two separate investigations, it was confirmed yesterday.

- BY CHRIS HUGHES Defence Editor and JEREMY ARMSTRONG

One operation netted five men at various locations around England. Four of those held, two aged 29, one 40 and another 46, are Iranian nationals.

The nationality and age of the fifth is still being established.

Three other men, also Iranian, were arrested in London on Saturday under national security legislation as part of a separate probe by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.

It is believed the arrests were all related to an ongoing terror campaign against Iranian dissidents. The target or targets are thought to be people and possibly organisations who have spoken out against the Iranian regime, including a media outlet.

It is believed other investigations into similar suspected threats, possibly running into double figures, are ongoing.