Three men have been charged with terrorism offences following an investigation in Greater Manchester.

Last week, police cordons were established at four locations in Wigan and Bolton as part of an operation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West.

In a statement released on Monday evening, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service had authorised charges against the individuals.

Walid Saadaoui, 36, of Crankwood Road, Abram, and Amar Hussein, 50, of no fixed address, are both charged with preparation of terrorist acts under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Bilel Saadaoui, 35, of Fairclough Street, Hindley, Wigan, has been charged with failure to disclose information about an act of terrorism. All three have been remanded in custody and will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court in London tomorrow.

The police thanked local communities for their patience and cooperation, confirming that all cordons have now been lifted, reports the Manchester Evening News.

According to the MailOnline, the raids across the Greater Manchester area were part of a series of “coordinated strikes”.

The publication says at least one individual was arrested by police at The Warehouse Gym.

They were reportedly tied up by masked officers inside the facility, while armed police and dog units waited outside.

The man was said to have been marched out of the gym by officers. One was later filmed clutching the grip of a 9mm Glock pistol, reports the Mail.

Police are then said to have raided a property in the Hindley area of Wigan.

Speaking to Radio Manchester, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “Obviously people will read that and it’s a worrying development, but on the other hand, we have our police force, GMP, taking action to apprehend people.

“I can’t really say more than that. This has been a preventative move.

“Obviously we will be able to say more in due course.”