British police said Monday they had arrested seven people in a counterterrorism operation in the city of Birmingham.

Six men, aged 25 to 32, were arrested overnight on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. A 22-year-old woman was also held on suspicion of failing to disclose information that could help prevent an act of terrorism, according to a police statement.

Police declined to comment on the suspects' alleged plans.

"The operation is in its early stages so we are unable to go into detail at this time about the nature of the suspected offences," said Police Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale.

A conference of the Liberal Democrat party is being held this week in Birmingham, but police said there was no connection between the events.

Author: Sarah Harman (AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Martin Kuebler