U.K. Police Arrest Five for Pope Threat

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LONDON—United Kingdom police arrested five men in London Friday on suspicion of terrorism during Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to the country's capital.

Following a tip, authorities arrested the men in the early hours "on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of act of terrorism," according to London's Metropolitan police service, Scotland Yard.

The individuals, aged between 26 years old and 50 years old, were arrested at a business premise in central London and were taken to a police station to be interviewed. Searches are currently being conducted across the city, including at homes in north and east London though initial searches haven't uncovered any hazardous items, police said.

Police declined to say whether the men were British or give details of their ethnicity, but there was no indication that it was a threat involving national security.

Scotland Yard said policing arrangements for the pope's visit had been reviewed and added that "we are satisfied that our current policing plan remains appropriate."

A police spokesman declined to elaborate on the nature of the threat or whether it was targeted at the pope specifically.

The Vatican said the pope was informed of the arrests and was pleased he could stick to his schedule.

"We have compete trust in the police," Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi told reporters. "The police are taking the necessary measures. The situation is not particularly dangerous... The pope is happy about this trip and is calm."

The Catholic Church for England and Wales, in a statement, said, "We have absolute confidence in the security operation to protect both the Pope and the public. The Pope is enjoying a wonderful visit, warmly welcomed wherever he goes."

The pope is on Day 2 of the first-ever papal state visit to the U.K. Having started the tour in Scotland, he is due to spend Friday and Saturday in London before heading to Birmingham Sunday.

While in the capital, the pope is due to give a speech later Friday to political and business leaders at Westminster Hall and will participate in an evening prayer service at Westminster Abbey. On Saturday, he leads a prayer vigil at Hyde Park, among other events in London.

(source:Associated Press)