Anti-terror raids at university library

UPDATE:

FIVE terror suspects were swooped upon by armed police the North West Anti-Terror Unit have confirmed.

Three were arrested on Cedar Grove, one on Earle Road and one outside Liverpool's John Moores University library.

They were arrested along with seven others as part of a North West operation. The ages of the twelve men remain unclear but range between a teenager in his mid to late teens and a 41-year-old man.Searches are still taking place at Cedar Grove, Earle Road and Highgate Street.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of the North West CTU said: "Today's action is part of a continuing investigation and we have acted on intelligence received.

"Although the operation is ongoing, this phase is still in its very early stages, so the information we can release about it is limited.

"We understand that this kind of police activity can cause concern to people living in nearby communities, and we have ensured they will be able to discuss issues or concerns linked to today's operation with local officers who are providing a high-profile presence.

"We are also distributing letters around the areas concerned and will be meeting with community groups to address any concerns they may have."

The force confirmed several hundred officers were involved in today's operation, including armed officers who were deployed during some of the arrests.

8 April 2008 19.38:

It is believed tonight's raids were brought forward following a security leak earlier in the day.

Britain’s most senior counter terrorism police officer Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick, head of Scotland Yard’s specialist operations wing, was caught on camera clutching sensitive documents as he arrived in Downing Street.

Among a large bundle of papers under his arm was a white document clearly marked "secret" and carrying an outline briefing on an ongoing counter-terrorism operation.

The information, which cannot be reported, included the names of several senior officers, locations and details about the nature of the overseas threat.