Three vehicles seized in Lancashire on their way to join a Gaza aid convoy are free to continue their journey after being released by anti-terrorism officers.

The two vans and an ambulance were travelling to London to link up with the convoy when nine men were arrested in an intelligence-led investigation on the M65 motorway in Lancashire.

Six of the men were released without charge following Friday’s operation while detectives continue to question three men, aged 26, 29 and 36, in custody.

The convoy carrying medicine, clothing and shoeboxes of toys set off from the capital on Saturday accompanied by Respect party MP George Galloway.

Lancashire Police said the seized vehicles have been released.

A force spokesman said: “The cargo from these vehicles has been thoroughly checked by search officers who have worked as quickly as they can to ensure that the parcels can now be released and continue on to their destination.

”We appreciate that this has been a cause of concern for some people which is why we have seen it as our number one priority to release them.

”Both Lancashire Constabulary and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit believe strongly that people should be allowed to express and pursue their views and beliefs openly, providing this is done safely and within the law.

”The arrests made on Friday evening were in no way aimed at preventing this and were the culmination of an ongoing intelligence-led investigation.”

Police have been granted an extension to question the men, understood to be from the Burnley area, until Thursday.