A public meeting is being organised in Blackburn at which the local constabulary has been invited to answer questions surrounding the terror swoop on the M65 last month in which a convoy of vehicles carrying gifts and aid to Palestinians in Gaza was detained and nine men from Blackburn and Burnley arrested before being released without charge.

The meeting co-ordinated by Anjum Anwar has been organised to ‘allow an open discussion about the incident’ with the police invited to offer members of the local community ‘straight answers’.

Chief Supt Andy Rhodes said: “This event gives us the opportunity to provide further support for the local community and to give concerned residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and issues to senior police officers.

“This is how we maintain and build trust: through dialogue.

"This is one of many such events that are occurring throughout the constabulary in order to explain the facts and dispel myths and rumours about recent police operations.”

A report published by Demos in 2006, Bringing it Home: Community-based approaches to counter-terrorism, highlighted the importance of openness and trust between police forces and local communities and argued that community based approaches to counter terrorism was the most conducive way forward.

The event takes place at Jan’s Conference Centre, Higher Audley Street, Blackburn, on March 29 from 5pm.