REPRESENTATIVES from the Muslim Community met with senior police officers over concerns following the arrest of two Blackburn men under the Terrorism Act 2000 last week.

Chief constable of Lancashire, Paul Stephenson; assistant chief constable, Julia Hodson, and eastern divisional commander, David Mallaby, joined in the talks.

Ibrahim Master, chair of the Lancashire Council of Mosques; Lord Adam Patel, local councillors and other community leaders were invited to the meeting in Blackburn.

Mr Stephenson said: "It was very useful and it was very important we met to discuss the real concerns that have arisen from recent actions in Blackburn. We have all learnt valuable lessons from this.

"It is quite clear that the overwhelming majority of the community rejects all forms of terrorism and we want to reassure people that no individual is targeted because of their culture, faith, race or religion. Police actions alone do not defeat terrorism but the combined efforts of all communities will."

Mr Master added: "We were concerned about the impact the arrests in Blackburn would have on the image of the Muslim community and were pleased we have had the chance to discuss these concerns."

"We are pleased the chief constable has listened and that he will give these due consideration in any future operations."