British police arrest eight in anti-terrorism raids

London, Jan 31: Police arrested eight people following a series of dawn raids in central England today as part of a major counter-terrorism operation, police said.

Detectives said the people were arrested at addresses across the city of Birmingham on ''suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism''.

''As a precautionary measure we will have an enhanced police presence at these locations,'' West Midlands police said in a statement.

The government said the arrests were part of a nationwide operation. ''We can confirm that a major counter terrorism operation took place earlier today led by West Midlands Police,'' the Home Office said in a statement.

''The Home Secretary was fully briefed on the operation and is receiving regular updates as developments occur.

''This operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face.''

Reuters