14 arrested in anti-terror raids in south and east London

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Police have arrested 14 men following anti-terror raids in south and east London.

The men were arrested late on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Searches are being carried out at homes in south, east and north London, Scotland Yard said.

The suspects are in custody at a central London police station.

The spokesman added that the arrests were not linked to the recent alleged plot to blow up transatlantic airliners or the July 7 bombings in London.

The BBC reported that one of the raids took place at a restaurant in Borough Road, south London, close to South Bank University.

Up to 40 officers in riot gear entered the premises which was packed with diners, the report said.

A number of arrests were made at the restaurant which was part of the Bridge Hotel, the BBC added.

The halal Chinese restaurant is said to be popular with the local Muslim community.

The owner, Madi Blyani, told a reporter from BBC Radio 4's Today programme he had been surprised by the arrival of a large number of police officers.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6053804,00.html