Police stormed a petrol station being investigated in connection with an international card-cloning scam in which local people have lost thousands.

Officers raided the Snax 24 site in the Fairway, Leigh, just after 9am yesterday, and arrested 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 bank accounts, with cash withdrawals channelled around the world, including the Middle East and India.

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

The scam prompted speculation terrorists could be the beneficiaries.

Yesterday's raid has sparked huge interest across the community.

Joe Wood, 26, who owns Joe's Newsagent's next door, in Eastwood Old Road, said his father had lost money, as had other members of his family, and local customers.

He added: "It's good the police are doing something because everyone knows someone who has been affected by this."