POLICE in the North-East are carrying out a finger-tip search of a house as part of anti-terrorist operations which were launched across England today.

The raids, which began in five police force areas including Cleveland at 3am, are said to be targeting people suspected of facilitating terrorism abroad.

Nine arrests have so far been made thought to be eight in Greater Manchester and one in Merseyside and raids have also taken place in Birmingham.

The operation is being led by Greater Manchester Police anti-terrorist unit and raids are expected to last all day.

The series of raids was jointly organised with MI5 and follows an investigation which has been going on for some months.

It is understood that those targeted are suspected of plotting and facilitating attacks overseas.

Properties are being searched with warrants issued under the Terrorism Act.

One house in Middlesbrough, in Ayresome Street, was raided but no arrests were made.

A search there is expected to continue all day.

Merseyside Police said one man had been arrested in the area on suspicion of immigration offences.

A spokeswoman for the Greater Manchester force said an "extensive operation targeting individuals suspected of facilitating terrorism abroad" was under way.

She would not confirm the exact nature of the alleged offences.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said the arrests were part of an operation by the Immigration Service and the police but gave no further details.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: Cleveland Police was one of five forces involved in an operation targeting individuals suspected of facilitating terrorism abroad.

A house in Ayresome Street, Middlesbrough, was raided and officers are carrying out a detailed search of the property.

Nobody was arrested.

The raid is part of an operation being led by Greater Manchester Police.