THE police described it as their "best day yet" as all four failed London bomb suspects were arrested in armed raids yesterday.

It was indeed a very good day for us all because, not only were the suspected bombers placed in custody, but no-one was hurt in the process.

Understandably, the police operation in the wake of the London bombings has been overshadowed by the shooting of innocent Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes whose body was flown home for burial yesterday.

His death was, of course, an appalling tragedy which must be properly investigated and appropriate action taken. For his loved ones, no explanation will be sufficient.

But we must also not underestimate the courage of the police officers involved in the on-going pursuit of the terrorists, particularly those at the sharp end of yesterday's raids in London and Rome.

Without any question, they placed their lives on the line to capture the suspects and they and their colleagues will almost certainly be expected to do so again before very long.

The anti-terrorist operation in Britain has not been brought to a conclusion by yesterday's arrests. But it reached a highly significant stage.

Britain is that bit safer today. And the bravery of those who have made it so needs to be fully recognised.