Six North-East men who were wrongly accused of having international terrorist links have rejected as too little offers of compensation.

They were described last night as "a smack in the face".

Durham and Cleveland police forces, who led Operation Icebolt, have finished a year-long inquiry into allegations that the suspects were linked to terrorist activities abroad.

The men were taken from their homes in January last year and held at secret police locations under the Terrorism Act 2000 before being released without charge four days later.

The operation involved 150 officers and was co-ordinated with the help of Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist branch.

Mousa Mohamad, Salah Famtazi and Ibrahim Rachid, all of Darlington, Walid Zamzam, of Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, Majid Mousa, of Middlesbrough and Omar Mohammed of Coulby New-ham, Middlesbrough, had strongly denied any involvement in terrorism. There has never been any suggestion the men had alleged links with Middle-East terror groups Hamas and Hizbollah. All the men, apart from Majid Mousa, are taking legal moves to clear their names.

In addition, Mr Mohammad's wife, Tina, and son Jamie, 14, are suing police for false imprisonment, trespass and assault. Mr Zamzam's landlord, Salid Ramathan, has also put forward a claim for trespass.

Solicitors acting for the men are in negotiations regarding compensation.

It is understood that Durham and Cleveland police forces will have to foot the bill themselves and, unless a satisfactory offer is made, the case will go to court.

Tina Mohamad, who is expecting a baby in five weeks time, said: "We have already declined one offer, it was like a smack in the face.

"It is was a lot less than the figure of £10,000 that has been quoted that we might get - I have no idea where that figure has come from.

"Nothing has been finalised. Our baby is due in five weeks time and we are really looking forward to that.

"The baby will be the best thing."

Father-of three Mr Mohamad said he was shocked to hear that the investigation had ended.

He said: "I did not know anything about it. The main thing is to clear our names. This investigation was smoke without fire."

In a joint statement, Cleveland and Durham police said: "The investigation has been concluded and solicitors representing the men involved have been informed."