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Counter Terrorism Policing arrested two men on Newton Street in Manchester on Sunday, September 20, in what officers describe as the disruption of a suspected terrorist plot against the city's Jewish community. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Tuesday that both men, who are in their 30s, remain in custody.
The pair were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and taken to a London police station. On Tuesday, September 22, officers obtained warrants of further detention, which allow police to hold both men until Sunday, September 27.
Officers have now finished searching two addresses, one on Epworth Street in Liverpool and one on Lancaster Road in Salford. Counter Terrorism Policing London is leading the case, with support from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, called it "a long-running proactive investigation." She said police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public linked to the arrests. Detectives are pursuing several lines of inquiry and expect that work to continue over the coming days.
The arrests came during the Jewish High Holy Days, which police described as a significant period for the community. Police in Manchester have stepped up their operation for the holidays, Reuters reported. Evans said counter-terrorism officers are also working with local forces across the country to provide protective security support and advice to areas with Jewish communities.
Manchester's Jewish community has been attacked before. Last year, two Jewish worshippers were killed in an attack on a synagogue in the city. The attacker, a British citizen of Syrian descent, had said he was acting for the Islamic State group, according to Reuters.
The Manchester arrests also come days after an officer was shot outside a synagogue in Ontario, Canada, as Yom Kippur services began. We covered that incident here.
Police have asked anyone with information to report it in confidence through gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.
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