A CAMPAIGN which urges members of the public to shop suspected terrorists has been launched across Greater Manchester.

Communities are being urged to act as the eyes and ears of police by reporting suspicious activity to a new anti-terrorist hotline.

The initiative, launched under the banner "If you suspect it, report it", is backed up by a poster campaign which details some of the tell-tale signs of terrorism.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of GMP Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "The help and support of local communities is vital to tackling the terrorist threat. When people provide information to the hotline they could be giving us the final piece of a complex jigsaw.

"People are often aware of unusual activity or behaviour, something which may be causing them concern. So we are asking them to trust their instincts and call the hotline.

"I can reassure anyone with concerns, that all information provided to the anti-terrorist hotline is treated in the strictest confidence and is thoroughly researched before any police action is taken."

The new anti-terror campaign is not linked to any current threat, Det Chief Supt Porter added.

All calls to the hotline are answered and information will be taken and then provided to local officers who will review it and consider the most appropriate way forward.

Publicity posters raise awareness of a range of items which could be used by terrorists and asks people to consider whether they have seen any suspicious activity connected with them.

Police have carried out a number of terror related raids in Bolton over the last year. Last June, officers raided a number of homes and arrested two men, one of whom was subsequently charges with terror offences. And in May a pizza parlour was sealed off as part of a massive operation which saw 19 addresses raided across the country and eight people arrested.

Police, MI5 and immigration officers were led to Brilliant Pizza in Market Street, Farnworth, after finding material at a property in South.