British police arrest eight in anti-terror raids

LONDON, May 24 (Reuters) British police today arrested eight people in a major anti-terror operation involving 500 officers across the country.

''An extensive operation targeting individuals suspected of facilitating terrorism abroad is under way,'' a spokesman for police in Manchester, northern England, said.

''Officers have arrested eight people and searches are now taking place. About 500 officers have been involved in the action throughout the UK.'' Britain has been on high alert since four suicide bombers killed 52 people in coordinated attacks on London's transport network on July 7 last year.

British police can detain terrorism suspects for up to 14 days before charging them.

REUTERS KD SND1306