Two men have been arrested over a suspected terrorist plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester ahead of Yom Kippur. The men, who are aged in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in Newton Street on Sunday, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police search and arrests
Officers in forensic suits were pictured searching a white Mercedes car which was surrounded by police vehicles in Newton Street. The men were taken to a London police station after they were arrested and remain in police custody. They can be detained up until Sunday September 27.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), said police are aware the news will cause “further concern” to the Jewish community, “especially given the significant High Holy day period”. It was Yom Kippur from sundown on Sunday to nightfall on Monday, which is widely considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Community reaction
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, described the suspected plot as “utterly chilling” as it comes close to the anniversary of the terror attack at Manchester’s Heaton Park Synagogue last year on Yom Kippur. They said: “CST has seen the news that the arrests of two men in Manchester on Sunday, shortly before the start of Yom Kippur, was allegedly related to what police believe was a plot to attack the Manchester Jewish community.
“This is utterly chilling, coming so close to the anniversary of the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue last year, and is another reminder of the serious terrorist threat facing Jewish communities in this current time.” The CST urged the Jewish community to remain calm and alert, and to report any suspicious activity to police on 999 and then to CST.
Political and police response
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove into the gates of Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall on October 2 last year, and began attacking with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt. The Jewish Representative Council for Greater Manchester said: “We once again repeat that security can only ever deal with the symptoms. One year on from the murder of Melvin and Adrian, the Government must redouble its efforts to tackle the root causes of the hatred and extremism that are espoused in places of worship and other community spaces that continue to motivate people to target Jews.”
That was echoed by a spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism who said: “We are grateful to the authorities for their vigilance. But the Jewish community cannot rely on that forever. The authorities need to get lucky every time and the terrorists only once.” Ms Evans said detectives are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry but they do not believe there is any “ongoing threat” to the public in relation to this incident.
Greater Manchester Police said it is maintaining a visible police presence in local communities over the Jewish High Holy Days. Chief Superintendent Dave Meeney said: “We’re well aware that events over recent days will have only added to already heightened concerns in our Jewish communities, especially at such an important time of year.” Hannah Spencer, Green Party MP for Gorton and Denton, said: “I’m horrified to learn of a suspected terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community here in Greater Manchester. This is just as Jewish people are celebrating Yom Kippur, which is all the more distressing.” Anyone with information or concerns is urged to contact gov.uk/ACT or by calling police on 0800 789 321.
