A COMMUNITY today spoke of its shock after a Blackburn man was charged with plotting to carry out a terrorist murder attack.

Junaid Feroze, 28, of Malham Gardens, Audley, was due to appear before magistrates at London's Belmarsh high-security prison along with seven others.

His family spoke of their disappointment after travelling south expecting him to be released.

And community leaders revealed their disbelief that a man from a well-respected family had been accused of conspiracy to murder and launch "dirty bomb" chemical, explosive or radioactive attacks.

Feroze had been held in custody at Paddington Green police station in London for two weeks after being arrested at gunpoint in Preston Old Road, Cherry Tree on August 3. Another Blackburn man arrested at the same time was later released without charge.

Feroze's brother Javaid, whose Lower Audley Tyre Centre business was searched during polcie raids two weeks ago, had travelled down to London on Sunday in expectation of his release.

But instead he was today waiting for news of his first court appearance.

He said: "We are obviously disappointed but I can't comment any further at the moment."

Coun Yusuf Jan-Virmani, of Audley, said: "I am very surprised. I knew his dad and I know his brother and I am really shocked.

"He always looked like a grand lad. What he may have done behind his family and friends' backs, no one knows."

Lord Patel of Blackburn said: "I am totally shocked and surprised.

"I know the whole family and they are an excellent family.

"I knew Junaid sometimes when I used to go to the tyre place.

"In my opinion, I cannot believe that this young lad with a very good family background could be involved in something like this.

"I would have never thought this could happen in Audley Range."

Salim Mulla, a Blackburn with Darwen councillor and general secretary of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: "The community is shocked and saddened by what has happened and like everyone else we will now wait for the justice system to work its course.

"We ask our community to be vigilant and report to the police any suspicions of behaviour which may be related to terrorism.

"This is something that should be done for the safety of all.

"It is also important that we all remain calm during this current situation, because the last thing we want is for a volatile episode to erupt."

Tracey Hill, who lives in Preston Old Road and was walking down the street when armed policemen surrounded the gold Mercedes Feroze was driving 15 days ago, said: "Regardless of what happens, it will be a day we never forget."

Feroze's neighbour Vickie Owen, 33, said it has been a difficult time for the people who live so close by.

She added: "I never thought he was going to get charged that is such a big surprise. It has been so quiet around here over the last few weeks no-one has been going out on the street."

Another neighbour, Rubina Sardar, 29, said: "It would be really hard for him to ever come back now.

"I thought it was getting more serious when I saw the police taking big envelopes of stuff out of his house.

"It is such a shock for people and there are a lot of families around here who have been quite scared and worried."

Neighbour Paul Corbett, 38 said: "We weren't all that surprised when he was arrested because terrorists are everywhere.

"But it is frightening on your doorstep and now he has been charged it makes it all real."

Mohammed Daud, 27 a shop assistant at nearby newsagents Dhorat's, in Queen's Park Road, said: "I thought arresting him was just a precautionary measure.

"I can't believe he has been charged. It was strange how it took so long to decide, and everyone has been talking about it in the shop."

Jamil Hussain, 34, owner of Pringle Street groceries, said he had known Mr Feroze for years after he went to school with his nephew.

He added: "He is such a friendly man and his wife and family. I am so shocked I can't believe it."

The Rev Simon Bessant, director of missions at the Blackburn Diocese of the Church of England, said: "It is important we get across the message that the majority of Asian-heritage people live honourable, respectable lives and what has happened in recent weeks should not change anyone's minds."

All charges, under the Criminal Law Act 1977, relate to days between January 1, 2000, and August 4, 2004.

Three of the men are also charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 with possessing a document or record of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.