Two men arrested on suspicion of terrorism in Manchester's Northern Quarter as searches widen across North West
Counter-terror police swooped on Newton Street on Sunday afternoon. Searches are now underway in Salford and Liverpool. Police say there is "no information to suggest any wider threat to the public."
Two men arrested in a dramatic counter-terrorism operation in Manchester's Northern Quarter remain in custody as searches have widened to Salford and Liverpool.
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, and the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Monday that a third search is underway in Liverpool.
Police have declined to reveal the nature of the suspected threat. They have said "there is no information to suggest any wider threat to the public."
The arrests came on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, as the first anniversary of the deadly terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue approaches. 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."
The operation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, working with Greater Manchester Police and the North West counter-terrorism unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why were the two men arrested in Manchester?
- They were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences in connection with an alleged plot to target the local Jewish community ahead of Yom Kippur.
- Where did the arrests take place?
- The arrests occurred on Newton Street in Manchester on Sunday, where forensic officers were seen searching a vehicle.
- Is there an ongoing threat to the public?
- Counter Terrorism Policing has stated that they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public following these arrests.