AN MP claims he would not be surprised at a terrorist attack on Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Leeds North West MP Harold Best has spoken out following the arrest of two Iraqi Kurds under the Terrorism Act 2000 outside the airport on Thursday last week.

The men aged 25 and 26, who were later released without charge, were arrested after officers found them acting suspiciously close to the perimeter fence.

Mr Best said he would not be surprised if suspected terrorists were found.

"I am well satisfied that the public's interests are being properly defended by the police and the airport authorities.

"I would have to say I would have been surprised if there hadn't been some proper attention for security at Leeds Bradford Airport. Consequently, I am not surprised that there may be some people who the police regard as worthy of further questioning.

"It comes as no greater surprise to me. It is just something which the public has got to learn to live with.

"We do have a large airport in the area that readers of the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer and my constituents live in and one of the risks of modern life is that the threat to users of the airport is a present fact. But the right level of care is being shown and there is no need for anyone to be alarmed.

"I am confident that all the measures have been taken by both the airport and the police are adequate and I wouldn't have any hesitation about using the services from there."

Security at the airport had been stepped up since Wednesday last week with armed police guarding the departure lounge and patroling the perimeter fence.

The two men were found on Plane Tree Close in Yeadon and were taken to unnamed police stations in the area.

Police took their white Vauxhall Cavalier away for examination. However, no weapons or dangerous substances were discovered.

A resident who lives on Plane Tree Grove said: "I have seen two police cars at the bottom of the road since last Wednesday. We didn't realise anything like this had happened. It is quite scary on your own doorstep, but we didn't see anything suspicious. I am just glad it was a false alarm."

Armed police have been guarding the terminal entrance and officers have been surrounding the perimeter with patrol cars and video vans.

The move follows the visit of Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince Charles to the area, but a police spokesman said it is not believed to be linked to the visits.

Mr Best said: "I am not going to speculate at all on whether this had anything to do with Tony Blair.

"The police are doing what they have to and I am prepared to trust their judgement in this matter.

"In general terms, there is an anxiety amongst all police forces and government structures that there could be acts of a terrorist nature and I support the actions to defend British people.

"This is not to be seen as support for a potential war with Iraq which is a whole different matter."

The increased security was introduced a day after new low-cost airline Jet2 launched its first service from the Yeadon airport to Amsterdam.

The Department of Transport has given security advice to all UK airports, but it would not disclose any details.

Last week, police arrested four men in Langley, near Heathrow Airport, under the Terrorism Act 2000 and questioned a passenger over a live grenade found at Gatwick Airport.