Counter-terrorism officers in London have arrested a man and a woman suspected of aiding the foreign intelligence service of Iran.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the 60-year-old man and 42-year-old woman were taken into custody after properties in north and north-west London were searched on 24 June.

Following their detention under the National Security Act (NSA), officers conducted a further search at a third address in north-west London on 9 September.

Police confirmed that the inquiry is unrelated to recent incidents targeting venues and buildings associated with London’s Iranian and Jewish communities.

It is also not thought to be linked to any activity or events linked to the Jewish High Holy Days period.

The man and woman have been released on conditional bail until a date in October.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: “We know that news of these arrests will come as a concern to some members of the public, but I want to stress that we do not believe there to be any imminent threat to the wider public in connection with this matter.

“We’ve seen a marked increase in the tempo of our work linked to national security and state threats over the past year and this investigation is a continuation of that.

“As we’ve shown here, if we suspect any activity could threaten the safety of the UK or the public, then we will not hesitate to take action.

“I would also like to remind the public that the overall terrorism threat level is at severe, so we continue to ask for everyone’s support through being vigilant, and if you see or hear anything that doesn’t look right, then please, trust your instincts, and report it to us.”