UPDATE: POLICE officers stood guard outside a large property set behind large stone walls following anti- terror raids earlier today.

Officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit along with colleagues from Merseyside Police raided Rockland House on View Road in Rainhill.

A search online reveals that the property is listed as the base for a software company.

The search follows intelligence gathered from the police which led to searches of five properties across Merseyside. The other four were in Liverpool.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt told the Star that the building raided in Rainhill is a "commercial premises".

He also said that officers had entered all properties wearing full protective equipment in case they came in to contact with any "noxious substances".

However searches will now be carried out in normal uniform.

He stressed: "To people who may be alarmed by what they have seen we totally understand them being surprised by a terrorism operation, but be assured we act swiftly when we receive intelligence that there may be a risk and will continue to do so in the future. There is no intelligence of an imminent threat but we will act to ensure public safety."

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity should contact local officers or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.

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ANTI-terror police have arrested a suspect and are searching five addresses in Merseyside following raids this morning.

The 31-year-old man was held on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU) and Merseyside Police are searching the addresses following "intelligence received".

The addresses are at View Road in Rainhill, St Helens, and Prescot Road and Holt Road in the Kensington area of Liverpool.

The searches are expected to last several hours and possibly days, police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt told the Star that the building raided in Rainhill is a "commercial premises".

He also said that officers had entered all properties wearing full protective equipment in case they came in to contact with any "noxious substances".

However searches will now be carried out in normal uniform.

He stressed: "To people who may be alarmed by what they have seen we totally understand them being surprised by a terrorism operation, but be assured we act swiftly when we receive intelligence that there may be a risk and will continue to do so in the future. There is no intelligence of an imminent threat but we will act to ensure public safety."

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity should contact local officers or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole from the NWCTU said: "The NWCTU are currently conducting a joint investigation with Merseyside Police following the receipt of information from law enforcement agencies.

"It is our intention to carry out a thorough, professional investigation to determine the circumstances and details of the activity reported.

"We are taking all measures necessary to ensure public safety, which is our primary concern.

"Members of the public will see a lot of police activity at a number of addresses in the coming hours and possibly days.

"However, it is absolutely vital to stress - and I hope at the same time reassure the public - that there is no current threat or evidence of an imminent attack.

"We will of course keep the public informed as things progress and would once again encourage them not to be unduly worried."

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity should contact local officers or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.