Two men held on suspicion of terrorism after dramatic Northern Quarter arrest as searches widen to Salford and Liverpool
Counter-terror police swooped on Newton Street on Sunday afternoon, arresting two men. Searches are now underway at addresses in Salford and Liverpool. The arrests came on Yom Kippur, as the first anniversary of the Heaton Park synagogue attack approaches.
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Two men arrested in a dramatic counter-terrorism swoop in Manchester's Northern Quarter remain in custody as the investigation widens across the North West.
Officers descended on Newton Street at around 2.34pm on Sunday, arresting the pair on suspicion of terrorism. Forensics were seen working on a white Mercedes at the scene.
A second search was carried out at an address on Lancaster Road in Salford. The Metropolitan Police confirmed today (Monday) that a third search is now also underway at an address in Liverpool.
The operation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, working with Greater Manchester Police and the North West counter-terrorism unit.
What is the context?
The arrests came on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and as the first anniversary of the deadly terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue approaches. Two men, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed in the October 2 attack last year.
The national terror threat level is currently "severe," meaning an attack is considered "highly likely."
Is there a wider threat?
Police have said "there is no information to suggest any wider threat to the public." They have declined to reveal the nature of the suspected threat, citing the ongoing investigation.
The two men remain in police custody for questioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did the Manchester terror arrests take place?
- The two men were detained by counter-terrorism officers on Newton Street in the Northern Quarter on Sunday afternoon.
- Are there any ongoing police searches?
- Yes, police are currently searching properties on Lancaster Road in Salford and Epworth Street in Liverpool in connection with the arrests.
- Is there a threat to the public?
- Police have stated that there is currently no information to suggest any wider threat to the general public following these arrests.