Five men have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London in relation to a potential threat to the Pope’s visit
The arrests were made at 0545 BST at addresses in London after counter-terrorism officers received intelligence of a potential threat.
The five men have been taken to a central London police station.
thank you for your good information
From Julian at sky news
“If there was an open or uncontrolled threat to the Pope, his itinerary would have changed.”
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Pope-Benedict-Papal-Visit-Pontiff-Begins-Second-Day-In-London/Article/201009315730770?lpos=UK_News_Second_UK_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15730770_Pope_Benedict_Papal_Visit:_Pontiff_Begins_Second_Day_In_London
Interesting that the BBC gives their exact ages, but no other information about them or possible motives.
BBC also said:
“None of the men are British. ”
“The men all worked for Veolia Environment Services, a major contract cleaning company that works for Westminster Council. ”
“Most of the men are understood to be Algerian”
Fox News reported (from Sky News)
“The men — reported to be of Arabic origin by Sky News -”
CNN referenced the abuse scandal and did not include anything about those arrested, except their age.
I hope that when it is clear, the motive is made public and not buried.
I’ve been worried about this for some time. Various blogs have been reporting postings on Arab-related sites in the UK saying that this visit would be a great opportunity to “send a message” to the Pope. I hope these five men are the end of it.
I see the members of Unspecified Religion are at work again.
France is under heightened security alerts right now, as well. There was a plot discovered and the Eiffel Tower was closed. It’s quite possible this had less to do with the pope and more to do with a European threat.
I’m watching CNN now and, surprise-surprise, nothing. They just featured a story about Lady Gaga twittering politicians. Thank goodness for BBC America’s World News.