Four Muslims arrested on terrorism charge

Four Muslim men have been arrested by anti-terrorist officers after raids on homes in north and west London.The men, who are from Algeria and Jordan, are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1989. A fifth man was also arrested and detained in connection with immigration offences.

The dawn raids were a joint operation between the Metropolitan Anti-Terrorist branch, Special Branch and the security services. The men are being questioned at a police station in central London.

A police spokesman says: "Armed officers were not used in the operation and it is not linked to Irish terrorism and any unsolved terrorism acts. " Three of the men arrested under the Terrorism Act are Algerian and the fourth is Jordanian. They are aged 31, 33, 38 and 40.

Police are searching six home addresses and one business premises, all in London. The fifth man has also been held in custody to be questioned over the alleged immigration offences.