Anti-terror police targeted Shrewsbury train station today as part of a nationwide scheme to clamp down on terrorism.British Transport Police carried out stop and search checks on vehicles at the county town station searching for anything connected to a possible attack.

Sergeant Karl Anderson said: “We do know that groups of terrorists are working in the Midlands. It’s not just London anymore.

“Stations have always been a target for terrorists, which British Transport Police is well aware of.”

Vehicles were stopped at random and searched for any items connected with terrorism and drivers’ details were taken under the prevention of terrorism act.

Mr Anderson said Shrewsbury station was part of a scheme being carried out across the UK by the British Transport Police to tackle terrorism.

He added: “Shrewsbury is being targeted by British Transport Police today. It is random searches as people come and go from the station.

“It’s been done in the city and now its moving out from the cities to smaller stations. We have been here since 7am and we are staying as long as it takes.

“We are looking for anything from gas canisters to other items which can be used in connection with terrorism, like fertilisers.

“Today we are focusing on large vehicles such as vans, lorries and people carriers – vehicles we know have been used for terrorism before but we are looking at cars as well.”