Police said the raids come after a ‘suspected plot to target a specific premises’(Image: Ryan Jenkinson)

Police have made three arrests across Greater Manchester in relation to a suspected terrorist plot to ‘target a specific premises’.

Armed police stormed properties in Rochdale, Stockport, and Manchester on Saturday (May 3). Three men, aged 40, 29, and one whose age is yet to be confirmed, have been arrested and remain in police custody.

The raids come as part of a wider operation with further arrests carried out in Swindon and west London, the Metropolitan Police said. All the men, except the individual arrested in Manchester, are believed to be Iranian nationals.

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Police descended on a property on East Street in Rochdale at around 7pm on Saturday. Neighbours described hearing a ‘bang’ and seeing police with ‘guns pointing at the window’ before a shirtless man was led out the house. Video footage captured the moment he was arrested.

“I was sat in the living room and I heard a bang. I thought the neighbours had dropping something heavy,” one said.

“Then I could hear a ruckus of vehicles. I went for a fag round my back garden when suddenly I see a fully armed police officer cocking a gun. I asked her what’s going in and she said get back inside. Then they just swarmed from both sides.

Armed police surrounded the property on East Street(Image: Manchester Evening News)

“Then they threw a gas canister in there and raided the house. I heard him screaming. There were police with guns pointing at the window.

“It’s quite scary, quite unnerving when it’s so close at hand.”

Forensic officers remained at the property combing for evidence into the evening.

The Metropolitan Police said all five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006.

They added the investigation relates to a ‘suspected plot to target a specific premises’.

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“Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time,” the force added.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.

“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.

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

“We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”