Nine arrested in anti-terror swoop

Specialist officers conducting a counter-terrorism operation were searching five houses today, police said.

Nine men were arrested last night after being stopped on the M65 near Preston as part of an intelligence-led operation by Lancashire Constabulary and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit.

It was understood that the operation was connected to a potential threat of terrorism overseas.

Six of the arrested men were later released without charge, while three men, aged 26, 29 and 36, remained in custody today.

Lancashire police said officers with local knowledge were being deployed in the areas where the searches were taking place, in Burnley, Lancashire, and nearby residents would be receiving a letter containing information.

Chief Superintendent Neil Smith said: "This is a very sensitive time for all our communities and we are working hard to ensure everyone is kept up to date with as much information as we can give.

"We will endeavour to carry out any searches as quickly as possible to minimise the impact on the area concerned. However, enquiries of this nature are complex and may take time to resolve.

"I would like to thank local residents affected by these searches for their co-operation and ask that they remain patient. We will ensure people are kept updated in relation to the investigation as and when we can."

The houses being searched are understood to be in Gordon Street, Robinson Street and Clive Street, and two are believed to be on Rectory Road.

Photographs taken at the scene of last night's incident on the M65 appear to show two vans surrounded by police vehicles.

One van bears an image of the Palestinian flag on its side while the other has signs saying Stop Killing Children, Free Palestine, and From Blackburn (UK) to Gaza.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said today that it was assisting Lancashire Police with its investigation.