Two men arrested over suspected terrorist plot on Manchester’s Jewish community

Two men were arrested over a suspected terrorist plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area.

The Metropolitan Police said the men, who are in their 30s, were arrested in Newton Street, Manchester, on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The two men w were subsequently taken to a London police station, where they currently remain in police custody.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said police are aware the news will cause “further concern” to the Jewish community, “especially given the significant High Holy day period”.

It was Yom Kippur from Sunday to Monday, which is widely considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

The investigation relates to a suspected terrorist plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area, with officers also carrying out searches at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool and Lancaster Road, Salford.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “This has been a long-running proactive investigation which has led to the disruption of what we believe to be a plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area. Counter Terrorism policing continue to focus our efforts on identifying and disrupting those who wish to cause harm in our communities.’

“We are acutely aware this news will cause further concern to the Jewish community, as well as the wider public, especially given the significant High Holy day period. I want to reassure them we are working incredibly closely with colleagues in Greater Manchester Police and partners to ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep them and the wider public safe.

“And more broadly, across the country CTP is working with local police forces to provide protective security support and advice for areas with Jewish communities, and particularly during the High Holy Day period.

“As we have shown with these arrests, where we suspect there could be a threat to the public, then we will not hesitate to investigate and take action.

“We are pursuing a number of lines enquiry and we anticipate these will continue over the coming days as this investigation continues.

“Importantly, we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as ever, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns.”

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