A SECOND East Lancashire teenager has been arrested on terrorism offences.

Ednane Mahmood, 18, was stopped at Manchester Airport upon his return from Turkey.

Mahmood is accused of disseminating a terrorist publication and engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism.

He has been remanded in custody and is due appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (THURS).

Yesterday, people in the area expressed their shock at the news.

Officers said Mahmood, of Plane Street, Bastwell, Blackburn, had been stopped at the airport last September.

Following on from that incident he has now been charged after an investigation by Lancashire police and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, based in Manchester.

The charges against Mahmood emerged just six days after the arrest of a 14-year-old boy in the Audley area, also on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism. He has been released on police bail.

Police, however, said that the cases were 'in no way connected'.

When the Lancashire Telegraph approached Mahmood's family, a female relative said: "No comment".

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "It's very surprising, We knew he had been to Turkey recently but I can't believe he'd be involved with terrorism.

"The family have lived here for about five years. They have children slightly older and younger than mine, but some go to the same schools.

"They just seem like an ordinary family. He was a good kid. We only heard about the Turkey visit when he returned."

Worshippers outside the Masjid-al-Momineen mosque in Ash Street, where Mahmood is understood to have attended in the past, were also stunned.

One man, visiting for prayers yesterday afternoon, said: "I can't believe there this. This is a good area and a good mosque."

Mahmood, who will turn 19 in July, is believed to be a former pupil of Daisyfield Primary School, Pleckgate High School and Witton Park Academy.

Zaffer Khan, head of communications at East Lancashire community organisation One Voice, said: "While we cannot comment on this specific case, as an organisation One Voice engages with many young Muslims in Blackburn.

"It is more than apparent that any acts of terrorism or radicalisation are condemned by the vast majority of Muslims in the town. We deem any act of terror as reprehensible.

"From our work with the local communities at grass roots level, we can see that the majority of Muslims are united in condemning such acts."

Lancashire Council of Mosques chairman, Abdul Hamid Qureshi, from Burnley added: "It's a real point of worry for us that this is potentially rearing its head in Blackburn.

"We are highly distressed that young people may be putting themselves and their families through such difficulties, as well as potentially putting innocent people's lives at risk."