LONDON — Two 16-year-olds have been arrested by counter-terrorism police in Greater Manchester.

The boy and girl were arrested Monday on suspicion of being involved "in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism," police said Tuesday morning.

The arrests, made by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, were not linked to an international terrorist plot.

“What I want to stress very clearly is that this investigation is in no way linked to any sort of international terrorist plot nor have we recovered any evidence to suggest the community of Mossley is at risk," police said.

“Members of our community will see a lot of police activity at these addresses over the coming days but rather than cause anxiety I want people to be reassured that we have taken this precautionary action to ensure the safety of our residents."

Monday's arrests followed searches of two addresses in the Tameside area of Greater Manchester, which are still going on and are expected to last some time.

One of the houses in Mossley, Tameside searched by counter terrorism officers who arrested two 16 year olds yesterday pic.twitter.com/pCkA9AvMFg — Dan Johnson (@DanJohnsonNews) February 17, 2015

Other house in Mossley being searched. Police stressing no risk to community after arrest of two 16 year olds pic.twitter.com/QNMOQMkYb0 — Dan Johnson (@DanJohnsonNews) February 17, 2015

The Manchester Evening News reported that police were carrying out the searches wearing chemical suits.

Separately, a 31-year-old man was due in court in London Tuesday charged with attempting to obtain a chemical weapon. He was also arrested by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit following searches of addresses in Merseyside.