Two Arrested in Manchester Over Suspected Plot Targeting Jewish Community
Counter-terrorism police arrested two men in Manchester on suspicion of plotting to target the city's Jewish community.
Counter-terrorism police arrested two men in Manchester on suspicion of plotting to target the city's Jewish community, authorities announced.
Specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police apprehended the men at an address in Manchester's Northern Quarter on Sunday before conducting a raid on a nearby hostel. The arrests occurred on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a period marked by heightened security concerns.
The investigation is linked to a suspected terrorist plot aimed at the Jewish community in the Manchester area. The men, both in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Terrorism Act and are currently in custody. Police stated they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public related to this matter.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the arrests as the culmination of a "long-running proactive investigation" that disrupted a potential plot. She acknowledged that the news might cause further concern to the Jewish community and the wider public, especially during the 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," Evans said. She added that Counter Terrorism Policing is collaborating with local police forces nationwide to provide protective security and advice for areas with Jewish communities.
Marc Levy, chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, noted that the arrests coincided with the one-year anniversary of a deadly terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue, which claimed the lives of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Levy expressed gratitude to the police and security services for foiling the plot but emphasized the need for government action to address the root causes of extremism.
"We cannot simply keep protecting our community from the next attack but must do much more to stop people being motivated to carry one out in the first place," Levy stated.
Police are continuing to pursue multiple lines of inquiry in connection with the investigation. They urged the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the authorities.