SNIFFER dogs were on high alert as they scoured lorries unloaded from a ship docked on Teesport.

They were looking for illegally imported money that could be used to fund terrorism as part of a nationwide campaign to protect the UK from threat.

Today’s (Thursday, November 27) initiative at the port near Redcar was the latest in a series of operations that have taken place as part of National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week.

During this week, police and partner agencies have worked together to deliver activity and events across the country, to increase vigilance amongst the general public, business and transport community.

Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Simon Nickless, said: “By working together we can make it harder for terrorists to operate in the UK. Through increased awareness and vigilance we can reduce their opportunities and disrupt their activities to better protect our communities, our businesses and our industry.”

At the Riverside Stadium on Saturday (November 29), during Middlesbrough FC’s fixture with Blackburn Rovers, there will be a message on counter terrorism awareness week on the large screen within the ground and information will be supplied in the match programme.

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity or behaviour is asked to contact the Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In the case of an immediate threat, always dial 999.