Updated

The Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism command has arrested nine men on suspicion of being members of banned organizations as well as supporting and encouraging terrorism.

The men, ranging in age from 22 to 51, are in custody in central London police stations.

Scotland Yard has also raided homes, businesses and community centers as part of the probe. Searches were underway Thursday at 18 sites in London and one residence in Stoke on Trent.

Police said in a statement that the arrests and searches were part of an ongoing investigation into Islamist-related terrorism rather than any immediate risk to public safety.