German police have launched a series of raids across the country as part of investigations into Islamist terror networks, officials say.

Officers searched about 30 buildings, including businesses and mosques, in Germany and neighbouring Belgium.

Police said the searches were part of an investigation into two suspects wanted in connection with money-laundering and tax evasion.

Germany has arrested a number of terror suspects since 11 September, 2001.

In January, more than 700 officers were involved in raids which resulted in the detention of 22 suspected Islamist radicals.

Germany has made fighting alleged Islamist terror cells a key security priority, correspondents say, especially since the country was shocked to find that some of the suicide hijackers in the 11 September attacks were based in the northern city of Hamburg.

More details on Thursday’s raids are expected soon.