A USB storage device containing confidential anti-terror data, which was reportedly found in the street outside the police station, is being scrutinized.

The memory-stick allegedly containing more than 2,000 pages of sensitive information on anti-terrorism, such as strategies on fighting back terror attacks.

According to the report published in the Daily Star, the four-inch USB storage device was found by a 36-year-old businessman on a pavement outside the police station at Stalybridge in Greater Manchester.

The USB device was reportedly emblazoned with the initials GMP POTU, standing for Greater Manchester Police Public Order Training Unit. The files enclosed were created by the National Police Improvement Agency on the subject of counter-terrorism & tactical deployment.

When contacted, Superintendent Bryan Lawton said, “We are currently looking into who this device belongs to, what information is contained on it and the circumstances surrounding its loss.”

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police Authority has unveiled a report about the Force's ability between April 1 and July 31, 2010.

In the report, Greater Manchester Police praised new figures that show that confidence in the Force's performance against crime and anti-social behaviour has risen. People across Greater Manchester also believe that anti-social behaviour in their communities has declined during the concerned period.