MUSLIM leaders are calling for a reasoned reaction to the terror raids on homes in High Wycombe which they fear could stir up racial tension.

Anti-terrorist forces swooped on Walton Drive, Hepplewhite Close, Plomer Green Avenue, Micklefield Road and woods off Forest Way as part of an operation to stop an alleged terrorist plot to blow up passenger planes in mid-air.

Raids were simultaneously carried out in London and Birmingham but Muslims in High Wycombe are worried the high number of homes targeted in the area could produce a Muslim backlash in the town.

Mohammed Khaliel, a spokesman for the Muslim community in High Wycombe, warned: "This could affect the good harmonious relationship in the community here." He described Wycombe as a beautiful, peaceful and leafy suburb.

Mr Khaliel told a large crowd of journalists waiting outside the Muslim Education Centre in Totteridge Drive on Friday that since 9/11 the Imams in High Wycombe had been working hard to promote a moderate teaching of Islam.

He said the arrests had deeply shocked the religious leaders.

Journalists had been drawn to the centre because it is believed some of the terror suspects used to go there.

Mr Khaliel said: "The centre here is open to everybody to come and pray as indeed are all of the centres in High Wycombe."

He said he was unable to confirm the suspects' regular attendance at the centre as it was one of eight in the town the men were free to visit at any time.

He said it would be unfair to tarnish the reputation of any holy man leading the prayers based on the people who dropped in to use the centre.

He denied the centre in Totteridge Drive promoted extremist views and said the theme of their Friday prayer meeting and in all centres across town was to "enjoin good and prevent evil."

He said: "From speaking to people who know the men who were arrested they came across as diligent, hard working people who would pick litter up off the streets and put it in the bin. They were certainly not a cause for concern."

Mr Khaliel, a former Labour Parliamentary candidate for Aylesbury, said that in a conversation with the government of Pakistan on Friday he was told strong action was taken to obtain that information'.

He repeatedly condemned all forms of terrorist activity. He said: "As Muslims we believe it is wrong wherever it occurs, in the UK, Palestine or The Lebanon or in other parts of the world."

Mr Khaliel said he was grateful that people seemed to have adopted the attitude the arrested men were innocent until proven guilty. Muslim leaders also criticised the police for not taking them up on an invitation to develop a joint anti-terrorism strategy for High Wycombe at the start of the year.

Mr Khaliel told the press conference: "We asked the new Thames Valley Police Acting Chief Constable Sara Thornton to meet with us to discuss anti-terrorism strategies and measures but she refused to do so."

Mr Khaliel added: "It's crazy because the police rely on us to provide them with intelligence. We can't do that if they won't talk to us."

Tim Prince, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "The Chief Constable takes an active interest in community relations."