Three persons are arrested on suspicion of spying for China by counter-terror police

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation.

Detectives arrested the trio earlier today on suspicion of assisting Chinese intelligence services under the National Security Act. 

A 39-year-old man was arrested at an address in London, a 68-year-old man at an address in Powys, Wales and a 43-year-old man in Pontyclun, Wales, the Met Police said in a statement. 

They were all detained under PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act) and were taken into custody, where they remain. 

Officers carried out searches at the addresses where the three men were arrested, along with three other addresses in London, East Kilbride and Cardiff respectively.

The arrests and search activity was supported by officers from CTP Wales and CTP Scotland.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation (Stock image) 

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: ‘We have seen a significant increase in our casework relating to national security in recent years, and we continue to work extremely closely with our partners to help keep the country safe and take action to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.

‘Today’s arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters, we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this. 

‘Our investigation continues, and we thank the public for their ongoing support.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.