6 held on terrorism charges after London police raids ahead of Olympics

British police have arrested five men and one woman on suspicion of terrorism.

However, London's Metropolitan Police, also known as Scotland Yard, said in a statement that the operation was not linked to the Olympics, which kick off July 27.

Rather, they were part of a planned intelligence-led operation, with those arrested charged with the "commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism," Reuters reported.

The Associated Press reported that those arrested range in age from 18 to 30; three were arrested in west London and three others at a residential address in east London.

A statement from Scotland Yard, cited by the Guardian, said: "Searches under the Terrorism Act 2000 are being carried out at eight residential premises in east, west and north London and one business premises in east London.

"Public safety remains our overriding concern. Today's operation in London is not linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games."

It added: "The men and woman were all arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000."

According to RIA Novosti, a 21-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were arrested at their home in west London and a 29-year-old man arrested on the street; three other men, aged 18, 24 and 26, were arrested in east London.

One of those arrested was Tasered, but did not require hospital treatment, Scotland Yard said, the Guardian reported.

The arrests come in the wake of a string of antiterrorism operations in Britain, with more expected as the Olympics opening ceremony draws near, the Guardian wrote.

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