Security services foil terror attack in UK hours away from execution

British security services allegedly foiled a suspected terror plot involving Iranian agents just hours before a devastating attack was set to take place.

Two suspected Iranian terror cells were raided on Saturday in a sweeping operation specifically targeting groups believed to be working on behalf of the state against the UK. It is understood that the cells planned to carry out a “major” attack against a UK premises.

The coordinated raids targeted properties in west London, Rochdale, Swindown, Manchester and Stockport on Saturday night. Four men were questioned last night on “suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act”.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the arrests, that took place across the UK on Saturday, were “some of the biggest counter-state threat and counter-terrorism operations we have seen in recent years.”

“These are major operations and the ongoing investigation is immensely important, and, of course, it involves Iranian nationals in both investigations. But this reflects the complexity of the kinds of challenges to our national security we continue to face.”