Six men have been arrested by police investigating a suspected plot to harm the Pope, it emerged this afternoon. Counter-terrorism officers arrested five of them, aged between 26 and 50, at 5.45am this morning. The sixth was arrested later in the day.
The men, who are Muslims of various nationalities, including Algerian, were employed as street cleaners by Veolia Environmental Services. Veolia provide cleaners to Westminster City Council. Metropolitan Police officials said they were arrested “on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism” after information of a potential plot against the Pope had been received overnight.
According to the BBC, the five were arrested at Veolia’s depot in Chiltern Street, central London before being taken to a central London police station. They will be interviewed by detectives today while Veolia’s depot and their respective homes are searched.
A spokesman said: “Initial searches have not uncovered any hazardous items. Today’s arrests were made after police received information. Following initial inquiries by detectives, a decision was made to arrest the five men.
“Following today’s arrests the policing arrangements for the papal visit were reviewed and we are satisfied that our current policing plan remains appropriate. The itinerary has not changed. There is no change to the UK threat level.”
A spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales said: “We have absolute confidence in the security operation to protect both the Pope and the public. The Pope is enjoying a wonderful visit, warmly welcomed wherever he goes.”
Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, has also said there is no reason to alter the Pope’s schedule. “The Pope is calm and happy and we go on with this trip with courage and joy,” he said.
The Holy Father has been the subject of a police operation to protect him during his apostolic journey to Britain.
Share