Two men arrested in east London are among four still being held under the 2000 Counter Terrorism Act following armed police raids yesterday.

Police continue to search six addresses following a pre-planned intelligence operation in which the four were arrested on suspicion of commissioning, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism.

They were all taken to a south London police station where they remain in custody today, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

The two from east London, both aged 25, were arrested at an address at Mansell Street in Whitechapel.

A 28-year-old was arrested at the same time in west London and a 29-year-old in south London.

Armed officers were involved in yesterday’s arrests at 7.10pm in Whitechapel, Bayswater and Peckham.

Searches were still being carried out today at six addresses, while two vehicles have also been examined.

The decision to make the arrests was taken earlier yesterday by a senior committee involving both MI5 and the Met Police, according to media reports. An alleged plot was believed to have involved firearms which had been monitored for some time.