A controversial activist who heckled John Reid is believed to be among six men arrested early this morning in the London area on suspicion of inciting terrorist offences.

Abu Izzadeen, born as Trevor Brooks in Hackney, east London, to a family originally from Jamaica, came to public attention last year for interrupting the Home Secretary when Mr Reid visited East London to urge community elders to tackle the radicalisation of young Muslims and watch out for suicide bombers in their midst.

The 31-year-old convert called Mr Reid an "enemy of Islam".

Scotland Yard sources said this morning that the arrests across London, in Bethnal Green, Poplar, Leyton and Southall, as well as one in Luton, had nothing to do with the heckling incident.

"Six men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act relating to inciting others to commit acts of terrorism overseas and to carry out terrorist fundraising," said a Metropolitan police spokeswoman.

"The men were arrested this morning at five addresses in London and one in Luton. All have been taken to a central London police station where they are in custody.

"This is part of a long-term, proactive and complex investigation into alleged incitement and radicalisation for the purposes of terrorism, as well as alleged provision of financial support for international terrorism."

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