Five arrested over potential Pope attack

By Ian Dunt

Five men have been arrested over a suspected attempt to attack the Pope during his state visit to the UK.

The men, all street cleaners, were arrested at 05:45 BST this morning while preparing to start work for Veolia Environment Services, a company which does contracted-out cleaning work for Westminster City Council.

They have been arrested on suspicion of commissioning, preparing or instigating of acts of terrorism. The men are between the ages of 26 and 50.

Arrangements for the Pope's visit are under review but the Met believes the current policing plan remains appropriate.

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It is still not clear how far the arrests relate to the Pope's visit to the UK.

There are few details available at present, but the police said the arrests were the result of "information received".

The arrest was part of an armed operation, but no shots were fired.

Searches are being carried out in the premises and in residential premises in north and east London.

A spokesperson for the Pope said he was calm.

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