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Police granted extra time to quiz terror suspects
Three men continue to be quizzed by police on Sunday following a dramatic terror swoop near Preston.
Nine men travelling towards Preston were seized by police close to junction 1 of the M65 at 9pm on Friday.
They were arrested in connection with terrorism offences but six were later released without charge.
Three men - who all live in Burnley - remain in custody.
Police have been granted six days to hold the suspects before either charging them or releasing them by Thursday.
The vehicles were travelling to join up with a convoy organised by Viva Palestina starting in London which was headed for Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.
Police say the three men in custody are aged 36, 29 and 26.
Five houses in Burnley were searched on Saturday by specialist officers.
They include addresses on Gordon Street, Robinson Street and Clive Street, and two on Rectory Road.
A police spokeswoman said: "They can be questioned for up to 48 hours.
"After that they need to be charged or released, or we need to have an extension granted."
Pictures from the M65 - courtesy of MJP Media - appeared to show two vans had been pulled over by police.
On one of the vans were signs saying 'Stop Killing Children' and 'Free Palestine'.
Another was adorned with the Palestinian flag.
Officers from Lancashire Police, Greater Manchester Police and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit held a briefing at 10am on Saturday.
The M65 - close to the junction with the M61 - was closed off following the operation.
A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said the men were arrested "on suspicion of commiting offences under the Terrorism Act 2006."
Chief Superintendent Neil Smith, Divisional Commander for Pennine Division, said: "This is a very sensitive time for all our communities and we are working hard to ensure everyone is kept up to date with as much information as we can give.
"We will endeavour to carry out any searches as quickly as possible to minimise impact on the area concerned. However, enquiries of this nature are complex and may take time to resolve.
"I would like to thank local residents affected by these searches for their cooperation and ask that they remain patient. We will ensure people are kept updated in relation to the investigation as and when we can."
Do you know any of the men involved in the incident? Are you part of the Gaza-bound convoy? Call our Newsdesk on (01772) 838107 or email andy.sykes@lep.co.uk
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
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