London police detain two over suspected assistance to Iranian intelligence

The Metropolitan Police said a 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man were detained on Wednesday at an address in northwest London on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service. The two suspects were released on strict bail in an investigation under the National Security Act, with further proceedings scheduled for late October.

Scraper SystemSeptember 10, 2026, 10:25 PM

London police detain two over suspected assistance to Iranian intelligence

London Counter Terrorism Police detained a 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man during an operation at an address in northwest London as part of an Iran-linked investigation. The Metropolitan Police said the detentions were carried out on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service and under the National Security Act.

Police said the investigation was linked to Iran. The two detainees were later taken to a police station in London.

Searches and legal framework

The two suspects are being investigated on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. The allegation reflects the suspicion being examined in the investigation; it has not been established that either person committed an offence.

As part of the investigation, two searches were carried out on June 24 at residential addresses in north and northwest London. Police said a third property in northwest London was also searched on September 9 as part of the ongoing investigation.

The two detainees were released on strict bail. The date for the suspects’ hearing or further proceedings was announced as late October.

Helen Flanagan, head of London Counter Terrorism Police, said news of the detentions could cause concern among some people. Flanagan stressed that there was no imminent threat to the wider community in connection with the incident.