Six arrestsafter tip-offPope wasterror target

A MAJOR counter-terrorism operation has been launched after detectives were tipped off about a plot to attack the Pope.

Six people were arrested yesterday and officers from Scotland Yard have searched eight homes in north and east London and two business premises in central London, including a street cleaning depot.

Five cleaners were arrested at gunpoint as armed officers swooped on their offices as they prepared to start their shifts shortly before 6am.

A sixth man, aged 29, was arrested by officers at a property in north London shortly before 2pm on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The five cleaners, aged 26, 27, 36, 40 and 50, are of North African origin, including several from Algeria and were held on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.

They were arrested at Veolia Environmental Services, a contractor which employs 650 on-street staff to keep the streets of Westminster clean.

Searches of the depot and their homes in north and east London did not reveal any weapons or suspicious materials.

But senior detectives said they were compelled to act after a tip-off about suspicious activity late on Thursday night.

The security alert led to a review of the huge police operation surrounding the visit of Benedict XVI, but his itinerary went ahead as planned.

His spokesman said the Pope was informed of the arrests but remained “totally calm” and will continue to enjoy his trip.

A police spokesman said: “The arrests were made after police received information. Following initial inquiries by detectives, a decision was made to arrest the five men. Following the arrests the policing arrangements for the Papal visit were reviewed and we are satisfied that our current policing plan remains appropriate.”

‘Christianity threatened in hostile world’: Page 7.