A SPECIALIST police team could be given a £5,000 reward for its work after the M65 terrorism operation.

The Lancashire Council of Mosques said the nomination was controversial as the raid had ‘broken the relationship with police’ which ‘has still not been repaired’.

Nine men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism, but later released without charge after police swooped on an aid convoy in February this year.

It soon emerged the men were en route to Gaza to deliver items including children’s toys and medicines.

In the aftermath, police staged a public meeting with 300 people in a bid to quell anger, but insisted they were right to act.

Now Lancashire Constabulary’s Pennine Prevent team has been nominated for ‘Diversity in Action’ recognition at the Jane’s Police Review Gala Awards, for their work after the arrests.

The winners will receive £5,000 to spend on research, an overseas visit, or funding for community projects. Set up in November 2008, the Pennine Prevent team works to prevent violent extremism.

Within hours of the arrests, the team produced a document assessing the impact the arrests would have on the community.

The team sent well-known officers to reassure the community, did not use riot vans, and updated locals.

Wendy Walker, assistant chief constable, said: “The team has worked tirelessly to promote diversity and understanding within our various communities.”

Council of Mosques vice-chairman Coun Salim Mulla said: “To me this is a controversial nomination and it will seem that way to the Muslim community.

"At the time, the community had real concerns they were being targeted and singled out and felt the arrests could have been handled a lot better.

"I think the police accepted that.

“The police do a fantastic job keeping us safe and should be commended for that, but to get an award for this particular incident would be seen as very controversial.

“That relationship was broken and some organisations lost a lot of confidence in the police.

"We are still working hard to restore it.”