Man, 20, held under Terrorism Act

Residents were surprised to learn of the nature of the raid

A 20-year-old man has been arrested during a major anti-terrorism operation in a small town in Scotland.

He was detained under the Terrorism Act after a "pre-planned intelligence led" operation in Alva, Clackmannanshire.

The man was taken to Govan police station in Glasgow following the house raid, at about 0700 BST on Thursday.

Central Scotland Police have been reassuring residents that the community is not in danger and that there is no change to the UK threat level.

Local residents in Alva, eight miles from Stirling, said teams of officers raided a home and adjoining shop on Myretoungate at around 7am.

Residents 'shocked'

About half a dozen police have remained on watch outside the house, with the shop and immediate area cordoned off.

Resident Dick Owen, who lives in the street, said: "When I went up to get my paper the area was surrounded by police and police vans and what looked like a police forensic unit.

"The shop was all shut up as if it hadn't been opened. All the papers were still outside."

You never expect something like this on your own doorstep Jimmy Plenderleith Alva resident

Peter Kerr, 24, who lives on the town's Stirling Road, added: "They seem like a quiet, hard-working family. I couldn't believe it is connected with terrorism. It's a real shock."

Chief Superintendent Gavin Buist said a mobile police office had been stationed in Alva, which has a population of about 4,300, to help anyone with concerns.

"We recognise that an operation of this nature can have a significant impact on a community such as Alva and therefore work is ongoing to provide reassurance to local people," he said.

"We are also working closely with representatives of minority ethnic communities in the Forth Valley area and within the community of Alva itself to provide as much support as possible to anyone who may feel vulnerable in light of our operations."

Close-knit community

Some residents were surprised to learn of the nature of the operation.

Jimmy Plenderleith, who lives on Carnaughton Place, said: "I saw the police going about and thought they were just catching people speeding.

"You never expect something like this on your own doorstep."

Local MP Gordon Banks, who is on holiday in Spain, urged the people of Alva not to bear ill will to any members of the close knit community following the arrest.

The Ochill and South Perthshire MP said: "The police have assured me there's no threat to the people of Alva.

"They told me they have been monitoring this situation for a period of time and decided to swoop."