Six people arrested in Derby, Burton on Trent and London detained on suspicion of engaging in preparation of act of terrorism

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Counter-terrorism investigators have made six arrests after disrupting what they believe was a “significant plot” to attack the UK that was influenced by Islamic State.

Material recovered from an address raided in Derby has been initially assessed as being consistent with that needed to make homemade explosives, the Guardian understands.

The arrests were intelligence led but past cases have shown that initial assumptions among investigators are sometimes incorrect because materials for making homemade explosives can also have innocent uses.

It followed an operation by the domestic security service MI5 and counter-terrorism police. Counter-terrorism officials believe they have disrupted three attacks this year.

The arrests on Monday morning were made at four addresses in Derby, east Midlands, where those detained were aged 22, 27, 35 and 36. A 27-year-old man was also arrested in Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, as was a 32-year-old woman in London.

All six were detained on suspicion of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, with the police operation being led by the north east counter-terrorism unit.

Bomb experts were called to an address after one of the arrests in Derby. Police said: “As a result of the arrests today, an army bomb disposal team has been called in as a precautionary measure to the Normanton area of Derby. No houses have been evacuated.”

As the day progressed, there was a noticeable and unusually high level of police activity in Leopold Street in Derby. Forensic teams entered a property and started carrying out searches.

Steven Allen, 32, who lives on the road, said: “It’s usually a very quiet street. It’s just such a shock to the system because this is a very quiet street.”

One of those arrested worked at a poultry factory in Ashbourne, the factory owners confirmed.

Six addresses were being searched and police said the suspects were in custody, with detectives having 48 hours to release them, charge them or obtain a warrant for further detention.

Ch Supt Jack Atwal of Derbyshire police said: “People living and working in Normanton will have seen a large police presence in the area today.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while officers remain in the area, supporting the investigation.

“Derby is a vibrant, multicultural city with a great community spirit and everyone has been very supportive of the action taken in Normanton today.”

The rise of Isis and its threats to attack the west, led Britain in 2014 to raise its terrorist threat level to “severe”. This means that the joint terrorism analysis centre, which is housed within MI5, has advised ministers that an attack is highly likely.