POLICE assured residents of High Wycombe, north west of London, that they were under no bigger threat than normal after anti-terror raids stunned the town.

Three homes in Micklefield and Totteridge were raided yesterday by anti-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police.

Police also swooped on a house in Downley, on Plomer Green Avenue, at around 5am.

Jenny McDave, 30, of Plomer Green Avenue, said: "It is shocking. You don't expect things to happen in a small village like this. I was shocked to see the police here when I got up.

"I have got a seven-year-old and a three-year-old. You just don't expect things like this to happen."

A 48-year-old grandmother, also from Plomer Green Avenue, said: "I think it is awful, terrible. I came across here about 11am and saw all the police. It is just so scary.

"High Wycombe seems to be badly affected this time. I feel sorry for the children growing up these days."

Superintendent Mike Ismay yesterday responded to the concerns: "There is no direct intelligence at this time to suggest that the threat to people living in the Wycombe area is any greater than normal, although we would urge members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us."

Police called the short conference at Adams Park, Sands, after a day of intense activity and drama.

They later evacuated nine houses in Walton Drive before allowing residents to return to their homes.

Supt Ismay said: "Throughout these events, our number one priority has been ensuring public safety.

"We are working very closely with the Metropolitan Police and our partner agencies to keep community groups informed of developments and to ensure the impact is fully understood."

He said the decision to evacuate the homes in Walton Drive was standard practice in these cases and purely a precautionary measure.

"There is no need for residents to be unduly alarmed," he said, adding: "We are very grateful for the co-operation of all those residents affected."

Supt Ismay said: "The investigation, which will be complex and lengthy, is still at an early stage and Thames Valley Police will be continuing to support the Metropolitan Police for some days to come."

Police did not allow the press to ask any questions at the press conference.

But the superintendent added: "As and when we are able to do so, we will give out information on the progress of our inquiries."

There were a total of 24 people arrested and questioned across High Wycombe, London and Birmingham but police refused to confirm how many were from this area.