Four men have been arrested on suspicion of spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community for Iran.
The Metropolitan Police said the suspects, one Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals, have been taken into custody on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The force said the men, aged 22, 40, 52 and 55, were arrested at addresses in Harrow, Watford and Barnet shortly after 1am on Friday.
It is understood a member of the Jewish community had tipped off the Met about the arrested individuals.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “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.”
The Met said the arrests follow the alleged surveillance of locations and individuals in the Jewish community in London.
Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of Shomrim North and East London, told the Press Association police patrols have been “stepped up” since the conflict in Iran began.
He said: “We all know Iran have cells in this country and has had cells here for a very long time – so this is no surprise.”
Speaking about the arrests, Rabbi Gluck added: “It certainly should reduce the concerns in the community.
“We have been aware for a long time of the danger of an attack from these cells, which there are a number of in this country, would exponentially increase in the situation we are in at the moment.”
Searches are ongoing at the addresses where the suspects were arrested by counter-terrorism officers, as well as additional properties in Wembley and Barnet.
Six other men were also arrested in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender and have been taken into custody, the force said.
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which monitors antisemitism in the UK, said: “Security is strong across the Jewish community.
“CST thanks Counter Terror Policing London and will not be commenting further at this time.”
