TWO Blackburn men were arrested as counter terrorism police swooped on addresses in the town after a bomb threat to Stansted Airport.

The raids took place in Infirmary Street yesterday and forensic officers spent much of the day searching two homes there.

Police said the men, both aged 40, were being held on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat.

Officers said a call was made warning that a van was on its way to Stansted Airport with a bomb on board.

The malicious call was just before 8.45am yesterday.

As a precaution Stansted Airport was put on alert and police patrols were increased. However, there was no disruption for passengers.

Essex Police said: “Patrols were increased on Friday morning at Stansted Airport following information received by police from another force. This was precautionary and in line with established practice. The airport remained open and operated as normal.”

Following the call police from the North West Counter Terrorist unit raided the two homes in Blackburn.

Both men were being questioned on suspicion of making hoax calls and were last night still in custody.

Searches went on at two addresses opposite each other in Infirmary Street Police drew the curtains of one house.

The other property’s sparse front room was visible, with nothing but a carpet and two cushions inside.

Four neighbourhood officers guarded the front and back doors of both terraced properties until 1.30pm.

Several residents were gathered in doorways discussing the police activity. But many said they didn’t realise anyone was living at the properties.

One resident in Infirmary Street, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I thought both houses were empty until I saw a white man being led away in handcuffs from one of the houses.

“The other house - next door to me - was raided early this morning. I just heard police going in through the door and shouting inside.”

Another resident on Infirmary Street added: “One of the houses has been renovated over the past few months. I can’t believe there would be anything as serious as this around here. I’ve not seen anyone living at either of those houses so to see so many police this morning was a big surprise.”