POLICE assured residents of High Wycombe tonight that they were under no bigger threat than normal - despite the anti-terror raids that stunned the town.

"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," said Superintendent Mike Ismay at a special press conference.

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

Specialist officers had swooped earlier on High Wycombe as part of a major operation to foil a "plot" to blow up planes leaving the UK.

The Metropolitan anti-terrorism branch cordoned off houses in Micklefield Road and Walton Drive and also searched woodland near Forest Way.

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

Meanwhile, there were reports of more police activity in Downley.

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 21 people arrested and questioned across High Wycombe, London and Birmingham but police refused to confirm how many were from this area.