DETECTIVES are investigating a possible network of al-Qaida sympathisers in Merseyside, the Daily Post can reveal.
Officers from the force's national security investigations section have teamed up with intelligence agencies to investigate possible groups of political extremists and terrorist supporters.
They are also trying to track down any funds which may be flowing between local networks and terrorist cells in Britain and abroad.
Revelations of local al-Qaida investigations have been made in Merseyside Police's draft annual policing plan.
The force last night said while there was no direct terrorist threat, officers were trying to identify followers of Osama bin Laden (pictured) in the region.
The policing plan states: "To combat terrorism the force's national security investigations section has linked with the regional assets recovery team to track funds where intelligence shows local groups and networks involved in financing terrorist operations.
"They are currently working closely with other intelligence agencies in investigating and gaining an understanding of those individuals in Merseyside who are linked to political extremism and sympathisers to al-Qaida."
Publication of the draft report, which will be debated by the police authority later this week, comes days after the Madrid terror bombing which claimed the lives of nearly 200 commuters.
Al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for the outrages.
Detective chief inspector Kevin Sharpe of the Merseyside Police Intelligence and Security Bureau (formerly Special Branch) said: "There remains no evidence to suggest any threat, direct or implied, to Merseyside from terrorism.
"However, given the times we live in, it is vitally important that all police forces ensure that they continually work with the communities they serve.
"As part of this, as with all other law enforcement agencies across the world, work is ongoing by Merseyside Police to identify those who support or who have sympathies with extremist groups, with the aim of finding out what form that support might take."
Paul Johnson, head of the support unit at Merseyside Police Authority, said: "The message has been that there is no specific threat at this time and that we are on the same footing as we have been for the last couple of years.
"This report hasn't been approved yet by the police authority. I will seek clarification about this with the chief constable."
A Home Office spokesman said: "We do not comment on individuals and whether they are being monitored or not other than to say we are aware of a number of individuals right across the country."
Liverpool council leader Mike Storey said he hoped intelligence agencies did not launch a "witch hunt" against members of the local Muslim community.
He said: "We would expect the police force to have security at the top of their agenda.
"I am sure that they are out on intelligence work."
Labour opposition leader Joe Anderson said: "I am glad this work is taking place."
