Counter terrorism police are carrying out a search of Lancaster House, a men's hostel on Lancaster Road in Salford, following the arrest of two men on suspicion of terrorism offences. The property, a large stone brick building close to Salford Royal Hospital, is at the centre of an ongoing operation.
Specialist officers first descended on Newton Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter at around 2.34pm on Sunday, arresting two men on suspicion of terrorism. A second swoop followed on Lancaster Road in Salford, where the search is now focused.
Residents describe fear as operation unfolds
Residents on Lancaster Road have spoken of their fear during the police activity. Ambulances and fire crews were at the scene on Sunday night and into Monday morning, although the road has now fully reopened. It had been closed from the De La Salle playing fields down to Eccles Old Road.
It is not known whether anything has been found at the property, although police have confirmed the search operation was still ongoing on Monday. Two police officers stood guard at the entrance to Lancaster House on Monday, with another two manning the front door. Police vehicles were also seen parked in a rear car park.
One resident said: "It was cordoned off everywhere and we couldn't leave our homes. What we did hear, from whispers, was that it was terrorism-related, but no one told us a thing."
Another resident added: "Obviously it's very worrying when you don't know what is going on and there's that many police and what have you there. To hear it's a terrorism thing is scary, but the police know what they are doing."
Met Police confirm third search in Liverpool
The London Metropolitan Police, which is leading the investigation, confirmed the two suspects arrested on Sunday afternoon remain in police custody. In a major update, they also said a third search was underway at another address on Epworth Street in Liverpool.
The current national terror threat level is 'severe', meaning an attack is considered 'highly likely'. The update comes as Jewish communities were celebrating Yom Kippur, the holiest day in their calendar, with the first anniversary of a deadly terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue approaching.
Police bosses have declined to reveal the nature of the threat, although they stress 'there is no information to suggest any wider threat to the public'.
The Metropolitan Police statement said: "At around 14:45 on Sunday 20 September in Newton Street, Manchester, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing arrested two individuals as part of an ongoing investigation.
"Both males were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The operation was led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police.
"The individuals remain in police custody. Searches are ongoing at two addresses: Epworth Street, Liverpool; Lancaster Road, Salford. At this time, there is no information to suggest any wider threat to the public.
"We recognise that police activity of this nature may cause concern. Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work closely with policing partners across the country to help keep the public safe. We would encourage anyone with information or concerns to report them via gov.uk/ACT or by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
"Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this stage."
