12 arrested in anti-terror raids in UK

Twelve suspects, most of them from Pakistan, were arrested in a series of major anti-terrorist raids carried out by hundreds of police officials in Britain's northwest.

The suspects were picked up under the terrorism act from addresses in Manchester, Liverpool and surrounding areas, about 200 from here, police said.

They said the operation was still going on and refused to divulge any information about the raids and the arrests.

"We are currently not in a position to confirm these addresses or any other further information regarding this operation," a spokesperson for Manchester police said.

"Further details will be released as they become available," she said.

The British government has kept the highest level of alert for terrorists. This alert was issued since bombers linked to Pakistan carried out bombings inside commuter trains and buses killing 52 people in July 2005.

Since then terrorists have attempted two major attacks in Britain, including one to bomb Glasgow airport - but failed.