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'Terror plot' foiled

Armed officers detain teenage ‘jihadi’ over fears he was planning terror attack

ARMED cops yesterday swooped on a teenage Jihadi suspect over fears he was planning a terrorist attack.

The 18-year-old was arrested just after midnight in a North London street.

 The 18-year-old was arrested after a joint operation between police and M15
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The 18-year-old was arrested after a joint operation between police and M15Credit: Alamy

It followed a joint operation between police and M15 following an intelligence tip-off.

He was kept under surveillance for several weeks before a decision was made to move in and arrest him over concerns he had access to a gun.

In the event, no firearm was found.

The youth was arrested on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism and taken to a South London police station for questioning.

 Sources stressed there was no information that he intended to strike at today’s Royal Wedding
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Sources stressed there was no information that he intended to strike at today’s Royal WeddingCredit: Getty - Pool

Police declined to say whether they believe the suspect was planning to attack any specific targets.

However, sources stressed there was no information that he intended to try and strike at today’s Royal Wedding or the FA Cup Final.

The Met said in a statement: ‘’Officers from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) arrested an 18-year-old man at around 00:10hrs on Friday, 18 May on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

‘’The arrest took place in the street in the north London area and was carried out with the assistance of armed officers.

‘’The man was arrested under the Terrorism Act and taken into custody at a south London police station where he remains.’’

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