Two men arrested on suspicion of terrorism in Manchester city centre will remain in custody for further questioning after police obtained warrants of further detention, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
Officers descended on Newton Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter at around 2.34pm on Sunday, September 20, arresting two men on suspicion of terrorism. A second police operation followed on Lancaster Road in Salford.
Warrants granted at Westminster Magistrates' Court
On Saturday, September 26, warrants of further detention were obtained at Westminster Magistrates' Court, meaning both men can remain in custody until October 4.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Warrants of further detention were obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 26 September in relation both suspects, who remain in police custody at this time."
The spokesperson added: "The warrants mean the men can be detained by police up until Sunday, 4 October. The investigation is ongoing and officers continue to pursue a number of lines of enquiry."
Investigation linked to alleged threat against Jewish community
Earlier this week, the Manchester Evening News reported that the operation is understood to be linked to an alleged threat planned against the Jewish community. Sources close to the investigation told the MEN they believe the threat has now been thwarted.
The investigation is set to be extended further, into Cheetham Hill and Heaton Park. The current national terror threat level is rated as 'severe', meaning an attack is considered 'highly likely'.
The arrests came as Jewish communities were preparing to celebrate Yom Kippur, the holiest day in their calendar, on Monday. It was also the first anniversary of the deadly terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, in which Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "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."
She added: "Counter Terror policing continue to focus our efforts on identifying and disrupting those who wish to cause harm in our communities.
"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.
"As we have shown with these arrests, where we suspect there could be a threat to the public, then we will not hesitate to investigate and take action. 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."
Arrests under section 41 of the Terrorism Act
The two suspects were arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows officers to carry out an arrest without an arrest warrant. This suggests police were forced to act quickly.
Armed police were part of a huge security operation to protect Manchester's Jewish communities in the run-up to Yom Kippur.
Anyone with information or concerns can report them via gov.uk/ACT or by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.
