Two men have been arrested on suspicion of money-laundering in a counter-terrorism investigation into large-scale fraud linked to British extremists travelling to Syria.

Two of the offences relate to two victims in Cornwall who were defrauded of £130,000.

The men, aged 29 and 23, were held at addresses in west and east London.

Officers also searched four addresses in other parts of the capital.

Scotland Yard said the arrests were linked to reports of vulnerable people being tricked out of money after being phoned by bogus police officers.

Police are investigating allegations that victims were "cold called" and told their bank account had been compromised, and they needed to transfer money to another account.

The arrested men were being held in custody in a police station in south London.

Police used search warrants at two addresses in north London, one in west London and one in south east London.

Detective Chief inspector John Shuttleworth of Devon & Cornwall police said, “We have worked with our Metropolitan colleagues in apprehending offenders who have stolen money from victims aged in their 80’s, within our Force Area.

“We are committed to raising awareness of this type of fraud which targets the elderly, with a view to preventing further victims from losing their life savings. We are also committed to pursuing these criminals and continue to work collaboratively with our regional and national law enforcement partners to great success.”