A MAN has been arrested over the alleged transatlantic airliner bomb plot after a series of dawn anti-terror raids in London.

Met counter terrorism officers stormed a home in Walthamstow, east London, and a business in Camden, north London, at 6am yesterday morning.

A 27-year-old man found at the Walthamstow property was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Sources revealed the arrest was in connection with the alleged plot to blow up passenger jets flying from London to the US, last August.

The new suspect was taken to a central London police station, where he remains in custody.

Police would not confirm if the raided house was the man's home but said it was a residential address.

According to This is Local London's sister newspaper, The Waltham Forest Guardian, officers are continuing to search the property.

So far nine people from the borough of Waltham Forest have been charged under the Terrorism Act.

'Friend' of suspects

A source close to the man's family said the 27-year-old was known to be friends with some of those who were charged, and had visited them in prison several times.

"He is known in the community as an OK guy," the source said.

The investigation into the airliner bomb plot has so far cost more than £30 million and a total of 11 men have been charged with conspiracy to murder and preparing acts of terrorism.

Strict airport security measures remain in place more than six months after police foiled the alleged plot.

Deputy Borough Commander Det Supt Paul Rickett said that he was aware that a counter-terror operation had taken place in Waltham Forest.

"We always work closely with partners in the local community to reassure residents and minimise the impact that these types of operations have on the borough. We continue to do so," he said.

Council leader Clyde Loakes said he was aware of the arrest.

"The council and its partners are working very closely with the police to reassure the community and manage the impact of this incident," he added.