THREE QUIZZED IN ANTI-TERROR PROBE

Detectives were granted an extra seven days to question the three arrested under the Terrorism Act 2006.

Two were arrested at Manchester Airport and a third man in the Accrington area of Lancashire on Thursday night. The suspects, aged 21, 22 and 23, are from Blackburn, Lancashire.

Shocked neighbours described the three as "normal everyday lads". One man who lives in Percival Street, where two of the men lived, said: "You don't expect it on your doorstep but that's life. It could happen anywhere."

He said one of the families had lived in the street for many years and the children had attended Islamic schools. He said: "They were a law-abiding family. They've never been in trouble whatsoever. They're normal, everyday lads."

Martin Clough, 32, a school caretaker from Cromwell Street, where the other man lived, said: "It's quite disturbing. It's a small street and everyone gets on with everybody. For this to happen here is quite shocking.

"I've seen them about. They keep themselves to themselves. The father speaks but the sons don't."

Police are currently questioning the men and searching their homes.

A spokesman for Jack Straw, Labour MP for Blackburn, said it was a matter for the police but Mr Straw was being kept informed.

Police sources confirmed the arrests were not linked to previous terror attacks and were at the "less serious" end of the scale for such offences.