POLICE have launched a new unit to tackle the threat of terrorism.

From today the Greater Manchester Police's counter- terrorism unit - one of four established in England and Wales - will be responsible for creating a national infrastructure to combat terrorist threats.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of the CTU, said: "The unit is being created so we can meet the challenges of the threat from terrorists."

Units are also being developed within the Metropolitan Police, West Midlands Police and West Yorkshire Police.