Five street cleaners have been arrested over a potential threat to the Pope, Sky News sources say.

Armed counter-terror officers swooped on the central London agency to which they were registered in the early hours of the morning.

The suspects, who are aged 26, 27, 36, 40 and 50, are being held and questioned under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The firm where the arrests were made is now being searched, as well as homes in north and east London.

Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt said he understood the men were Algerian nationals employed by the agency to work for Westminster City Council.

He said they were due to clean streets around the House of Commons, where the Pope is due to speak, prompting police to launch the operation to arrest them.

Throughout the Catholic world, throngs of heavily armed Men and some women have taken to the streets to protest the perceived attempt on the life of the leader of their faith. Flags and symbols of Islam have been burned at large gatherings to the chant of "Deus Vult" (God wills it), the battle cry of the First Crusade.

Bishops and spiritual leaders of the church have given impassioned sermons this morning, urging Catholics to slay the infidels who defile the earth they tread on. In London, the Archbishop of Canterbury is conferring with Pope Benedict; aides say he is discussing allying the High Church of England with the Catholics in any action against the Muslims.

Stay tuned for further news on what promises to be a historic day... 

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