Two men arrested during anti-terrorism raids across Britain last week have been released without charge, police said yesterday.

The two were among 14 suspects held late on Friday during an investigation into a suspected terrorist training network. Police have searched an Islamic school in East Sussex and 17 homes in London as part of their investigation. A police source told Reuters on Saturday that the operation focused on the suspected training and recruitment of terrorists.

“In all operations, some people may be released early without charge while others may remain in custody for further investigation,” a police spokesman said. “This is not unusual and is to be expected in large and complex criminal enquiries where a number of arrests have taken place,” he said.

Police are still holding 12 people over the case. They had warrants to hold three of them until yesterday and the remaining nine until tomorrow, by which time they must charge, release or seek more time to question them.