2 men arrested in central London on terror offences

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) – Two men were arrested in central London Thursday on suspicion of terrorism offences, local media reported.

The men, both 34, are from east London, and were arrested by police at around 12:10 a.m. Police said they were “acting suspiciously” in a car along the Pall Mall in Westminster.

Police searched both men and the vehicle, then arrested them on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. They remain in custody at a central London police station.

A counter-terrorism investigation has been launched by the Met Police.

Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Every day, police officers are on patrol across the capital, watching for suspicious behaviour and stopping people they suspect may be involved in criminality.

“The public can help us continue to keep London safe by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious behaviour to police.

“Following the increase to the UK threat level from terrorism last week -- as a precautionary measure in response to recent events in France and Austria -- I would like to emphasise that the public should be alert but not alarmed."

Local media reported Wednesday that a man drove a car into a police station in London and then set fire to flammable liquid in the street.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: “At around 18:58hrs on Wednesday, 11 November a vehicle was driven at the station office at Edmonton Police Station in Fore Street, Edmonton.

“A man, aged in his 40s, is then believed to have left the vehicle before attempting to pour petrol on the vehicle and set fire to it.

“He was apprehended and arrested by officers on suspicion of arson and a number of other offences. He is now in custody at a north London police station.”