Police stormed a petrol station being investigated in connection with an international card-cloning scam that has lost residents thousands.

Officers raided the Snax 24 site in the Fairway, Leigh, just after 9am yesterday, arresting two people.

They cordoned off the forecourt and, inside the shop, removed ceiling panels where it is believed hidden camera equipment was placed.

The international investigation was prompted after scores of people reported money missing from their accounts, with cash withdrawals being taken from around the world, including the Middle East and India.

Leigh CID has been liaising with the Met Police, British Transport Police and Hertfordshire Police during the investigation.

The scam prompted speculation terrorists could be the beneficiaries of the serious organised crime and the raid has sparked huge interest across the community.

Joe Wood, 26, who owns Joe's Newsagent's next door, in Eastwood Old Road, said: "My dad's been a victim and other members of my family, and just general customers in this area.

"It's good the police are doing something because it is a local community and everyone knows someone who has been affected by it."

Trisha Palmer, 28, who owns Garden of Eden Florist, also in Eastwood Old Road, said: "More or less everyone round here has been affected.

"A man has just come in here saying his brother-in-law has just got done with £3,500 being taken in India.

"It's not just a few people."

Apart from the arrests, police seized equipment from the garage and it is believed illegal DVDs were also removed from the shop.

Det Sgt Steve Jones said: "There have so far been another five arrests elsewhere linked with the investigation.

"An officer from the dedicated cheque and plastic crime unit is helping Leigh CID with the ongoing investigation."

Snax 24, which owns the site, and BP, which sells fuel at the petrol station, both refused to comment while the police investigation was in progress.