Over 240 police officers were involved in the operation, which took place under the Terrorism Act at the home of brothers Abdul Koyair and Abdul Kahar who was shot and wounded.

Within days after the raids, the national papers began talk of anthrax, nerve gas and cyanide. Some national newspapers who usually boast about "intelligence sources" talked about reports of cyanide having been found, but later withdrew their claims saying nothing had been found in the house.

Other national newspapers, also with "security sources", said that the chemical in question was more likely to be sarin. How could the newspapers have conflicting reports from the same intelligence services? Either they are lying or the police and security services need to look at their media management.

One thing is certain, a day later the newspapers withdrew their comments that 'the police were on the lookout for an actual bomb'. The two brothers had vehemently denied any involvement with terrorism and a statement by The Metropolitan Police's assistant commissioner Andy Hayman admitted that the searches of the property had not revealed any kind of chemical bombs or devices.

Subsequently, the two brothers were released without charge. This needs to emphasised as too often do these things go without mention. Some Muslims have argued that had this incident involved a member of another ethnic group or religion, the same level of ruthless tactics and finger pointing will not have occurred.

Journalist and presenter of Islam Channel, Sister Yvonne Ridley urged Muslims to end cooperation with the police. Sister Yvonne in a recent interview on BBC Radio Four's Today program, said police were "terrorising" the country's 1.8 million community and that Muslims should adopt a "zero tolerance" policy of withholding cooperation.

"I don't think they should communicate with the police until they show respect to the community." At a later meeting of the RESPECT party in the area of the raid, she suggested non-co-operation "goes from asking the community copper for directions to passing the time of the day with the beat officers".

Whilst it may be a while before we know the full truth about the investigations leading upto the raids It is clear that the overall handling of the incident by the Metropolitan Police had been very poor and with some mainstream press jumping on the bandwagon to begin their campaign of confusion and scaremongering.

This has caused some Muslims to retreat away into their communities once more, and away from the glaring eyes of native british. This is not the way to be.

Speculation about the the use of intelligence without verifying its accuracy has also caused some officials to admit the level of intelligence is still poor, and relatively bad relations with sections of the Muslim community are a factor. How can they expect anything more from the Muslim community if the security services like the MI5 and Police are willing to act upon false and misleaing intelligence without verifying its authenticity?

This weakness on the part of the security sources has also forced the likes of Ken Livingstone to demand answers about alleged political interference in the raids. The truth has prevailed and Muslims must not feel guilt or retreat away into a corner and they must continue to stand united and participate in PEACEFUL protests to expose the hypocrisy and doubles standards of the Police and Government policy and support those Muslims who face these injustices.

The Prophet (saw) said: "He among you who witnesses an evil, let him change it with his hand, if he cannot do that, then by his tongue, if he cannot do even that, then with his heart, and this is the weakest of faith.”

Amidst all the anger, it is sad to hear of some reports of graffiti against muslim homes and and verbal abuse against women with hijabs and men with beards are starting to trickle through on local newspapers in Manchester and Sheffield.

Undoubtedly these islamaphobic attitudes will continue over the next few weeks and maybe even months, and need to be addressed with importance by the Police, local MP's and the heads of Muslim organisations.