Six people, including a man in Liverpool, have been arrested over a suspected plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange.
Sky News reports that in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, January 14), officers arrested a 31-year-old man in Liverpool on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage.
The Metropolitan Police said it began its investigation after receiving information from the Daily Express on Friday. Activists from a group called Palestine Action were allegedly intending to target the exchange on Monday morning.
READ MORE: Woman, 29, dead after fall from multi-storey car park
READ MORE: Serious crash referred to police watchdog after teenagers injured
It is claimed they were intent on causing damage and were going to “lock on” in an attempt to stop the building from opening for trading.
Scotland Yard said another five people were arrested later today in connection with the plot and for the same offence.
Two women, aged 28 and 26, were also arrested in Liverpool, while a 27-year-old man was arrested in Brighton. A 29-year-old woman was arrested in Brent, northwest London, and a 23-year-old man was arrested in Tower Hamlets, east London. All six remain in custody.
Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas said the conspiracy may have been “one part of a planned week of action”, adding that the Met is coordinating with other forces to “ensure that appropriate resources are in place to deal with any disruption in the coming days.”
Palestine Action said: “Our direct action campaign will not be deterred. We are unafraid of putting our liberty on the line.”
Ms Thomas said: “These are significant arrests. We believe this group was ready to carry out a disruptive and damaging stunt which could have had serious implications had it been carried out successfully.
“I’m grateful to the Express for their willingness to provide the information gleaned from their own investigation. It was instrumental in helping us to intervene successfully.”
Earlier today, there was a pro-Palestinian march through Liverpool city centre, one of many such events protesting Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The Liverpool Echo Premium app is just £12 for 12 months for a limited time
Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
