Four men have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran’s intelligence service by spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London.

Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London said the men – one Iranian national and three dual British/Iranian nationals, were detained shortly after 1am on Friday at addresses in Barnet and Watford as part of a pre-planned operation.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “Today’s arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.

“We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.”