Plot targeting Manchester's Jewish community disrupted, say police

A "suspected terrorist plot" to target the Jewish community in Manchester is believed to have been foiled after two men were arrested in the city on Sunday, police have said.

The men, both in their 30s, were detained on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, according to the Metropolitan Police, which is leading the investigation.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said police were aware the news would cause "further concern" to the Jewish community "especially given the significant High Holy day period".

Yom Kippur - considered to be the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - was marked this year from Sunday evening to Monday evening.

The two suspects remain in police custody after being taken to a London police station for questioning.

Police said the investigation related to a "suspected terrorist plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area".

"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," said Evans.

"Counter-terrorism policing (CTP) continue to focus our efforts on identifying and disrupting those who wish to cause harm in our communities.

"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."

The two suspects were arrested on Newton Street in the Northern Quarter area of Manchester at 14:45 BST.

Detectives have obtained warrants of further detention for both men, meaning they can remain in police custody until 27 September.

Police confirmed searches at properties on Epworth Street in Liverpool and Lancaster Road in Salford had now been completed.

Evans, who is the senior national co-ordinator for CTP, said: "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."

A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust, which coordinates security for Jewish communities in the UK, said the suspected plot was "utterly chilling coming so close to the anniversary of the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue last year".

They added: "[This] is another reminder of the serious terrorist threat facing Jewish communities in this current time."

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