Counter-terror police thwart suspected plot against Manchester Jewish community

British counter-terrorism police have arrested two men in their 30s in Manchester as part of what they describe as a long-running investigation into a suspected terrorist plot against the Jewish community during the High Holy Days.

The men were arrested in Newton Street in central Manchester on Sunday under counter-terrorism legislation, Reuters reported, with searches also carried out in Salford and Liverpool. The Metropolitan Police said the pair were held on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in custody in London while investigations continue.

“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,” Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said in a statement.

She said detectives did not believe there was any ongoing threat, but Greater Manchester Police had stepped up a policing operation for the Jewish High Holy Days. “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,” she said.

The announcement came a day after Yom Kippur, almost a year after two worshippers were killed in an attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur by a British citizen of Syrian descent who said he was acting for Islamic State, Reuters reported. The Community Security Trust called the news “utterly chilling”.

Sources

• Reuters — UK police say two arrested over suspected terrorism plot to target Jewish community
• The Jerusalem Post (Reuters) — UK counter-terrorism police thwart plot targeting Manchester Jewish community
• Metropolitan Police — UPDATE: Counter Terrorism Policing arrests in Manchester