Ten terror suspects arrested in dawn raids across the UK

Police yesterday seized 10 men as part of a countrywide investigation carried out with MI5 into suspected international terrorism in the UK.

All the suspects were detained under anti-terror laws following raids carried out in the early hours of yesterday at three addresses in Derby, Wolverhampton and Croydon, south London. The Metropolitan Police said these raids were not linked to the London bombings on 7 July, but one source said the operation was part of a "major investigation".

The 10 suspects, arrested by officers from the Met's SO13 anti-terror branch and regional forces, are being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000.

All are understood to have been picked up as part of the same ongoing investigation. Last night, forensic experts were still carrying out fingertip searches of the houses where the men were seized, although it is understood that no chemicals or explosive devices have been found.

Detectives are currently interviewing the suspects at police stations in the West Midlands, Derbyshire and central London.

Three men were arrested in the Croydon area, three in Derby and four in Wolverhampton.