UK police arrest 7 more terror suspects

Seven men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism in the United Kingdom after a vehicle search yielded firearms and weapons, said police on Friday, according to the Associated Press.

The West Midlands Police said that a car was stopped on the M1 in South Yorkshire on Saturday and impounded on suspicion of having no insurance. A search found firearms, weapons and other material inside, according to the BBC.

The police traced and arrested the driver and passengers on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism, said the BBC. Arrests were made on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

All of the men were aged 22 to 27 and are from the West Midlands except one who is 43 years old and from West Yorkshire, according to ABC News.

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

The arrests come on top of six arrests made Thursday during an early morning raid, according to ABC News. The arrests on Thursday are said to be three brothers and three other men who were suspected of planning an attack in the UK during the Olympic Games, which are due to start in three weeks.

The police have insisted that the arrests did not involve threats to the Olympics, according to the AP. The latest arrests came as special "games lanes" were established for use by Olympic athletes, officials and VIPs.

More on GlobalPost: The Shard: Europe's tallest building inaugurated (VIDEO)

Police said there was no link between the two rounds of arrests, according to the AP.

The UK Home office has not changed the terror threat level from "substantial," which is the third highest of five levels, according to CNN. The next two levels up are "severe," which means an attack is highly likely and "critical" which means an attack is imminent.

The UK has fighter jets on standby and missile defense systems, as well as increased monitoring in place for the Olympic Games, said CNN.

More on GlobalPost: When the BRICs crumble

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!