INVESTIGATIONS are continuing following Saturday's major counter-terrorism operation in Keighley.

A police cordon remained in place yesterday at Hill Top Walk, on the Braithwaite estate.

Two men – aged 29 and 30 – and a 28-year-old woman were arrested from addresses in the town on Saturday on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

A 16-year-old boy from Swindon and a 28-year-old man from Anglesey were also held, on suspicion of the same offence.

All five were taken to a police station in West Yorkshire for questioning.

Police said two addresses in Keighley were searched in connection with the inquiry.

Following the discovery of potentially-suspicious material at one of the addresses, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was called to provide specialist advice and to arrange the safe removal of the items.

As a precautionary measure, a number of residents were evacuated whilst examinations were conducted.

The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North East into right-wing terrorism.

A spokesman said: "We recognise that local people may have concerns as a result of this activity.

"We would like to reassure them that these arrests are pre-planned and intelligence-led and there is not believed to be any immediate risk to the local community. We are grateful for the understanding, patience and support of local residents while these enquiries continue."

Community figures have voiced their shock at the events.

Keighley town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale, added: "There is no place for division in society generally nor in this town – we do not want or need it.

"My slogan when I took over as mayor was 'one town, one people'.

"I am sure the wider community will support the police and the stance against terrorism, in whatever form it takes."

And the Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard, Keighley's town chaplain and chairman of United Keighley, said different organisations and faiths in the town were committed to working together.

He added: "We thank the police for keeping us safe.

"Our many different communities are committed to working together well – whatever our faith, politics, ethnicity etc. Keighley stands united in peace. Together we are United Keighley."

Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev Toby Howarth, said: "Christians celebrate the triumph of hope over fear, life over death, love over hate.

"We believe that the power of God at work in our towns and communities is stronger than those who seek to bring harm. The power of God is at work in Keighley too. So I ask you to pray for the peace of Keighley. And I will pray for you all as you help hope, life and love to flourish in Keighley. I greatly appreciate the positive relationships between faiths and communities in the town."