Two Men Arrested Over Suspected Terror Plot Targeting Manchester Jewish Community

Arrests Made Ahead of Yom Kippur

Two men in their 30s have been arrested over a suspected terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community in the Manchester area, according to UK counter-terrorism police. The arrests were made on Sunday, September 20, shortly before Yom Kippur, one of the holiest periods in the Jewish calendar.

Suspects Held Under Terrorism Act

The men were arrested on Newton Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at about 14:45 BST and were detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They were subsequently taken to a police station in London, where they remain in custody while detectives continue their investigation.

Police Say Plot Was Disrupted

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the arrests followed a “long-running proactive investigation” that resulted in the disruption of what police believe was a plot against the Jewish community. Counter Terrorism Policing said there is currently no ongoing threat to the public connected to the investigation.

Investigation Described as Advanced

Sources cited by the BBC said the suspected plot was considered relatively imminent and had reached a later stage of planning. However, police have not publicly provided details about the suspected attack, its intended targets or the identities of the two men.

Searches Conducted in Three Areas

Following the arrests, detectives carried out searches at properties on Epworth Street in Liverpool and Lancaster Road in Salford. Police have confirmed that those searches have now been completed as investigators continue examining evidence connected to the case.

Security Increased During High Holy Days

The arrests came as Jewish communities across Britain observed the High Holy Days, prompting heightened security around synagogues and other Jewish sites. Counter Terrorism Policing said it was working with local forces to provide protective security support and advice to Jewish communities during the period.

Home Secretary Addresses Jewish Community

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would continue working to address threats against Britain’s Jewish community. She said Jewish people should not have to live behind increased security barriers and called for antisemitism to be tackled wherever it emerges.

Police Urge Continued Vigilance

Evans acknowledged that news of the arrests could cause additional concern within the Jewish community, particularly during the High Holy Days. She urged people to remain vigilant and report any concerns to police while stressing that officers were working with Greater Manchester Police and other partners to protect the public.

Community Security Trust Responds

The Community Security Trust, which coordinates security for Jewish communities across the UK, described the suspected plot as deeply concerning. The organisation said the timing was particularly alarming because it came close to the anniversary of last year’s deadly attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

Previous Manchester Synagogue Attack

The arrests come almost a year after a deadly terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur. The previous attack heightened concerns about security around Jewish communities and places of worship, with authorities continuing to maintain enhanced protective measures.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The two suspects remain in police custody as counter-terrorism officers continue their inquiries. Further detention warrants have been obtained, allowing investigators additional time to question the men and examine evidence gathered during the searches.