PETITIONS demanding the release of a 62-year-old Muslim preacher arrested and detained by anti-terror police have been signed by almost 2,000 people.

Asif Farooqui, known as Shayk Asif Hussain Farooqui, was arrested at his home in Willows Lane, Deane, early on Monday morning.

He is being questioned by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, along with four other men arrested in Greater Manchester and at Heathrow Airport.

Police said there was no imminent terrorist danger to the Greater Manchester area and the arrests were related to an alleged overseas threat.

More than 700 people, from across the country and countries ranging from the USA to Germany and Sweden, had added their names to a petition yesterday on a website called Freedom Bolton.

It says: “The Muslim community in Bolton has expressed its outrage at the detention of a prominent and well respected Muslim figure by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit.

“Likewise Muslim scholars throughout the UK familiar with the peaceful character of Asif Farooqui are signing this petition as we speak.

“It is understandable for the police to follow up lines of enquiry.

“However this will damage the peaceful community spirit of Bolton which has been built over the years.

“This doesn’t just affect Muslims but people of all walks of life and respected faiths.

“By continuing to hold an individual of this calibre and standing, the police are severely undermining the important work that honest, good Muslims are doing in combating terrorism in the UK.”

More than 1,200 people have also signed an online petition set up by Al Rahman Mosque, in Randal Street, Daubhill, where he is a member.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the arrests had been made after 15 months of investigation, and that Mr Farooqui and the other suspects would not be held longer than absolutely necessary.

The police currently have seven days to hold Mr Farooqui and the other defendants.

They can then apply to the magistrates for an extension of up to 28 days.