Two men have been arrested in West London on suspicion of involvement with the proscribed terrorist group Hezbollah.
A 39-year-old man was taken into custody and questioned on allegations including membership of a banned organisation, preparation of terrorist acts, and participation in a funding arrangement connected to terrorism.
In a separate arrest at a West London address, a 35-year-old man was also detained on suspicion of belonging to a proscribed organisation.
The investigation centres on Hezbollah – a militant and political organisation active in Lebanon and parts of the Middle East – which is designated as a terrorist group under UK counter-terrorism legislation.
Authorities have confirmed that the inquiry focuses on activities both within the UK and abroad. However, officials currently do not believe there is any immediate threat to public safety.
Met Police Emphasise Global Reach of Terrorism
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Terrorism and terrorists have a global reach and impact and the activities of terrorist groups overseas can harm communities here in the UK as well as causing devastation to those abroad.
Our investigation remains ongoing, but I hope that these arrests show we will take robust action against anyone here whom we suspect as being involved in terrorist activity regardless of whether their activity is focused here in the UK or elsewhere.”
The two suspects were taken to a London police station for questioning and have since been released on bail, with a return date scheduled for mid-July.
