THE terrible events of September 11 changed the world. The terrorist attacks made us more nervous, more suspicious, and more likely to over-react.

It is across that minefield of international anxiety that the police must walk a tightrope - a tightrope between their public protection duties and the need for human rights.

Whether the police over-reacted when six North-East men were arrested last week under anti-terrorism legislation - only to be freed without charge four days later - is impossible to say at this stage.

We do not know the full circumstances which led to the arrests and it is important to remember that the police inquiries are continuing despite the men being released on Friday night.

Nevertheless, some of those arrested have announced plans to sue the police for wrongful arrest and that has again stirred up intense debate over the rights and wrongs of the Government's anti-terrorism laws.

We fully understand the anger of those who were held for four days and the impact their arrests have had on their lives and businesses here in the North-East.

Equally, we appreciate the impossible balancing act facing the police as they try to counter the threat of terrorism.

If they are slow and not tough enough in their response to information, they run the risk of being seen to have under-reacted. If they get it wrong when they respond quickly and forcefully, they know the accusations of over-reaction will soon start to fly.

We do not expect knee-jerk reactions to every anonymous tip-off about alleged terrorist activity. But we do not expect complacency either.

Of course, great care must be taken whenever someone's liberty is taken from them. Their rights must be strictly adhered to and they must be treated with respect and dignity until investigations are complete.

But before we condemn the police, let us wait for the full picture to emerge and remember how challenging their task must be.

When the terrible events of September 11 changed the world, we knew it wasn't for the better.

Managing that change requires patience and an understanding of how incredibly difficult it is to find the right balance in the war against terrorism.

Sadly, mistaken arrests may have to be accepted as a consequence of deeply troubled times.