THE family of a suspected terrorist arrested at gunpoint in Blackburn have spoken of their shock and anger and said: "He is innocent."

Junaid Feroze was driving a gold, H-registered Mercedes car when it was swooped on by armed undercover officers from the Metropolitan Police.

Relatives and friends said the 28-year-old married father-of-three and his passenger, Zamir Hussain, 24, are car salesmen.

They said the men were returning from an auction in Chorley when they were stopped in Preston Old Road, Cherry Tree.

Junaid's home in Malham Gardens and Zamir's house in Shakeshaft Street, both in Audley, Blackburn, are among five local properties being searched by police as part of the massive anti-terrorist operation. Lower Audley Tyre Centre, at the junction of Copperfield Street and Bennington Street, owned by Junaid's brother Javaid, 41, are also being searched.

Today Javaid said he first found out about the incident when a friend told him the Mercedes, which belongs to him, had been stopped in the middle of the road and was surrounded by police.

Four national newspapers today identified the two men although their names have not been confirmed by police.

Mr Feroze said: "It has come as a big shock to the whole family. The police came to my business premises and I co-operated with them fully. They didn't even have to show me a search warrant.

"However, in return the police have told us nothing about what is going on.

" I was told I would have access to my business premises where my brother works and which police also searched on Tuesday but when I tried to gain access I was physically restrained.

"I have worked hard to bolster community relations in this town for years and always tell people to trust the police.

"But after the events of the past day my trust in the police has been affected."

Family spokesperson Jawaid Iqbal added: "Everyone who knows him, knows him as a hard-working lad.

"He is not involved in any terrorist activities of any kind.

"These arrests portray a very negative image of Muslims living here and spreads panic between communities.

"What's angered us most is that we have not been told of any genuine reason of why these men have have arrested and how they are.

"This has been a very traumatic time for the family and the police have not been helpful at all.

"Only two community officers have turned up to ask if they can do anything."

The family's home in Whalley New Road was raided at 11.30pm on Tuesday. The family are presently living at their cousin's home in Audley.

Mr Feroze added: "My brother's home was raided but why they had to come to my house I have no idea. My mother is 65 years old and disabled and we were told we had to leave quickly and were not allowed to take anything from the house.

"My sister-in-law was escorted to a friends house by the police from her home.

"My brother has lived in Blackburn all his life and has never left the country for 15 years.

"My sister-in-law is very upset that no-one has told us of my brother's health and well-being."