A MAN was arrested on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism after police raided two houses.

Residents in Leonard Street, Nelson, said they were ‘shocked and scared’ after witnessing police swoop on the 31-year-old man in the ‘usually quiet’ street.

Police, joined by Counter Terrorism officers, spent most of yesterday searching the two properties situated four doors apart.

Officers said the man was arrested at 11.15am under the Terrorism Act 2000 on suspicion of being 'concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism'.

Police guarded the front of both homes as other officers came and went.

Police said they did not believe there was ‘any immediate threat’ to people in the area.

Residents said they believed the people in the two houses were both part of the same family.

Dave Hartley said: “It comes as a big surprise. It makes you wonder what sort of things happen in your street behind closed doors.

“It’s a huge shock.

“But at the same time this could happen anywhere, you could move towns and see the same thing.

“The neighbours are all pretty good around here, some of them have even invited us round.”

Resident Amna Amad said: “This is the first time I’ve seen anything like this. Of course it is scary, I’ve got a young child living here with me.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to on the street is really friendly, it is quite a quiet street.”

Another neighbour said: “I have lived in Nelson all my life. Around 20 years ago it would just be peaceful, you would not see this sort of thing.

“I think people should be living in peace and trying to help each other.

”It is terrible these things are happening.”

Police said the raids formed part of an ‘ongoing counter terrorism investigation’ and was not connected to the investigation into the Manchester Arena attack.

Community leaders said this type of incident was unheard of.

Cllr George Adam, of Pendle Council, said: “I’m shocked that something such as this can happen in a quiet area like this.

“We’ve had occasional drug issues but nothing like this, it is unheard of. I’d just ask people to be aware.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “It is a huge shock. I received a phone call from police yesterday to tell me about the warrants.

“It is very worrying that someone could be preparing or looking to carry out an act of terrorism.

“We haven’t had anything like this in Pendle before and I will certainly be following it up. It is very worrying.”

The 31-year-old arrested was being held in custody before being interviewed by detectives.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Jacques said: “I recognise that events like this can cause people to worry and impact on wider public confidence.

“I want to reassure people that our information and intelligence lead us to believe that there is no immediate threat to local people.

“People may see extra police activity in the area over the next few days and I would ask them to co-operate with us as we carry out the work that we need to do.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding.

“In relation to the threat posed by terrorism it is critical that the public work with us and remain vigilant.

“If you see anything that causes concern, then let us know immediately. It may be nothing, but if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist-related then trust your instinct and call us in confidence on 101, or in an emergency 999.”