TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after police raided a house in Woolston this morning.

Counter terrorism police raided a property on Greymist Avenue at around 6am this morning, Wednesday, as part of a national investigation into banned far right group National Action.

Two men from Warrington, aged 31 and 35, have subsequently been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, funding terrorism and being a member of a banned organisation.

Across the country, 11 people were arrested following searches of 11 properties as part of coordinated activity between police in the north west, north east, Wales and Wiltshire.

Men from Newton-le-Willows, Prescot, Lancashire, Leeds, Sowerby Bridge, Seaforth, Swansea and Wiltshire have also been arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Greater Manchester Police’s assistant chief constable Russ Jackson, who is responsible for counter terrorism policing in the north west, said: “We are committed to taking positive action such as this to remove those connect to organisations, such as National Action, from our communities.

“Individuals involved in proscribed organisations who support extremist ideologies bring damaging consequences to local communities, but with the help of the public and our partners we will do everything we can to bring these people to justice.”

Earlier this year, anti-fascism charity Hope Not Hate claimed that National Action was operating out of a converted lock-up off Wellington Street in Howley.

The charity alleged that members of the Neo Nazi group, which was banned by Parliament under the Terrorism Act in December last year, were using knives and baseball bats in the warehouse in preparation for an ‘imminent race war’.

Deputy assistant commissioner Neil Basu from the Metropolitan Police, senior national counter terrorism coordinator, said: “Counter terrorism policing is committed to tackling all forms of extremism that threatens public safety and security.

“Investigations relating to alleged extreme right wing activity are pursued with the same level of resource and vigour as other ideologies in order to bring suspected offenders before the courts.

“Today’s arrests, while resulting from two separate investigations, have been coordinated by our officers across a number of forces.

“This maximises operational effectiveness for police and minimises disruption for local communities.”

Bosses at Cheshire Police have also issued a statement to reassure the public.

DCC Darren Martland said: “We would like to reassure communities that there is no immediate threat in relation to the current investigation, but we’re increasing our police patrols to ensure that we’re visible and providing reassurance.

"It is our communities who will help us defeat terrorism and I would urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police using the Anti-Terrorism Hotline by calling 0800 789 321.