Whitehall terror suspect named

The terror suspect arrested with several knives in Whitehall on Thursday is understood to be Khalid Mohammed Omar Ali.

Police arrest a man on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament in central London. Picture; getty

It is thought the 27-year-old is a British national who was born overseas and went to school in Tottenham, north London.

The suspect was detained by armed officers after a stop and search in an “intelligence-led” operation.

He remains in custody, having been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act and possession of offensive weapons.

Police recovered knives during the swoop, which took place yards from the scene of last month’s deadly attack by Khalid Masood in Westminster.

Reports suggest the suspect was arrested after a concerned family member contacted authorities.

Detectives are continuing to question him, while two searches are being carried out at addresses in London.