A POLICE chief is confident the "first class relationship" with Blackburn's Muslim community will continue in the wake of the high-profile anti-terrorism raids.

And divisional commander Chief Supt Dave Mallaby publicly thanked all the town's communities for their support over the past week.

Chief Supt Mallaby, said: "The police recognise that the vast majority of all sections of the community are law abiding, but there are extremists in every walk of life.

"There are some people here who have been arrested who are under suspicion that they may have connections with terrorist organisations. No-one is saying they are terrorists, only saying there is some suspicion they may be linked. Therefore our arrests were certainly justified.

"Every group across the world has some people who hold very extremist views and are prepared to take extreme measures.

"I know from my close work with Ibrahim Master, chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, and other community leaders that Christians, Muslims and others are looking for a peaceful, harmonious, living relationship.

"The people of Blackburn are proud to be the people of Blackburn.

"We have had huge support across the community including the Muslim community and while I recognise the concerns some of the community have I want to give them my personal assurance that we will continue to enjoy a superb relationship and I personally want to thank the people of Blackburn, whatever their background, for their fantastic support over the past two or three days.

"Without exception every single member of the community would welcome action which would prevent and deter acts of criminal terrorism. We are pleased to work closely with the Metropolitan Police and strongly support their activity in order to prevent any potential for acts of terrorism." Mr Master said: "The Metropolitan Police come in from outside and then go out again after two days and it is the Lancashire Constabulary and the Lancashire Council of Mosques who are left to pick up the pieces and repair the damage which has invariably been caused.

"The police and the council of mosques will not just ignore what has happened. There is a community and race relations steering group which has done a lot to build this mutual relationship of trust."