SEARCHES were carried out at five addresses in Wycombe this week after allegations that a bogus charity had been collecting money for Muslim extremists.

The massive police operation was launched in the early hours of Sunday morning, following a report in the News of the World newspaper. Houses were cordoned off and put under 24-hour surveillance.

Police say they have been investigating the claims, but no arrests have been made.

They confirmed that searches were carried out at five addresses, two in Leigh Street and the others in Priory Avenue, Walton Drive and Desborough Avenue. The activity was expected to continue for several more days to come.

The News of the World report alleged that a fake charity had duped people into giving money that it said would be used to fund religious schools. But the report claims that, instead, the cash was going to extremists.

On Sunday, police issued a statement on behalf of Assistant Chief Constable Nick Gargan, which said: "Officers are carrying out searches at five addresses in High Wycombe.

"These searches are linked to an article in News of the World. Although investigations are ongoing, no conclusions are being drawn from the information in this story, or about members of any community."

Yesterday, Marianne Shaw, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, confirmed inquiries were continuing at four of the addresses.

She said: "The searches are being carried out by Thames Valley Police officers.

"No arrests have been made and anyone asked to leave the addresses was asked in order for the searches to be conducted and not for their protection. There is no additional risk to the public that we are aware of.

"Some of the searches have been completed and we aim to carry out the remainder of the searches as soon as we can."

The Muslim Education Centre in Totteridge Drive, High Wycombe, issued a statement in reaction to the police action.

It said: "In response to the recent events, the Muslim Education Centre together with other Islamic Establishments in High Wycombe has already held a consultation with the police regarding the alleged accusations.

"We will continue to support and fully co-operate with the police and any investigation.

"We fully condemn any forms of extremism in any form or place."

Police added that if anyone was concerned about any charity donations they might have made they should call 08458 505 505.

Meanwhile, shocked residents in the roads concerned expressed alarm about the claims.

There was a strong police presence in Walton Drive this week, where officers were gathering items from at least two properties.

One resident said: "We keep ourselves to ourselves generally. We don't know a lot of people on the road anymore, just the small group of us who moved in at the same time.

"I'm very unhappy to hear about it. It's not what you want to hear."

Another resident in Walton Drive said: "It is sad to hear. I don't give to charity, unless it's a shop in town."