The short version
- Two suspects were detained in Manchester under terrorism legislation just hours before the start of Yom Kippur, with police stating the plot was imminent.
- Investigators have completed searches at linked properties in Liverpool and Salford but have not yet confirmed the specific motive behind the alleged conspiracy.
- Security organizations warn that this incident highlights persistent risks for Jewish communities during the High Holy Days, nearly one year after a deadly synagogue attack.
Counter-terrorism police in the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that they had disrupted a suspected terrorist plot aimed at the Jewish community in Manchester. The operation culminated in the arrest of two men in their thirties on Sunday afternoon, just hours before the commencement of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Authorities described the investigation as long-running and proactive, indicating that the alleged attack was in its later stages of planning and considered fairly imminent by intelligence sources.
The suspects were detained at 14:45 BST on Newton Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. They were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, a provision used when police suspect an individual is involved in terrorism. Following their arrest, both men were transported to a police station in London for questioning. Warrants have been granted for their further detention, allowing investigators to hold them until September 27 while they pursue multiple lines of inquiry.
In the wake of the arrests, law enforcement executed search warrants at two additional locations: a block of flats on Epworth Street in Liverpool and a property on Lancaster Road in Salford. Police confirmed that these searches have been completed. Investigators are currently examining electronic devices seized during the operation to gather more evidence regarding the scope and nature of the conspiracy.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, emphasized that the disruption was the result of sustained effort. She stated that authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public specifically related to this matter. However, she acknowledged that the news would likely cause significant concern within the Jewish community and among the wider public, particularly given the sensitive timing during the High Holy Day period.
The motive behind the suspected plot remains unconfirmed. While police have not officially disclosed the nationality or ethnicity of the detainees, sources indicate that investigators are considering various possibilities. A far-right ideology is currently viewed as unlikely by those familiar with the case. Conversely, Islamist extremism is among the motives under consideration, partly due to recent patterns of violence against Jewish targets. Investigators are also looking for any potential state links, though determining the precise ideological driver often takes considerable time in such complex cases.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in the UK, where the national terrorism threat level stands at severe, the second-highest setting. The timing of the arrests is particularly poignant as it comes nearly one year after an Islamist-inspired attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, which resulted in two deaths and the fatal shooting of the attacker by police. That tragedy has left a lasting impact on local security protocols and community sentiment.
The Community Security Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting Jewish communities across the UK, described the news as chilling. They noted that the proximity to the anniversary of last year’s synagogue attack serves as a stark reminder of the serious threats facing Jewish populations in the current climate. The group urged community members to remain calm but alert, advising them to report any suspicious activity to both emergency services and their own security coordinators.
In response to the disruption, Counter Terrorism Policing is working closely with Greater Manchester Police and other partners to ensure safety measures are robust. Protective security support and advice are being provided to areas with significant Jewish populations, especially as the festival of Sukkot approaches on Friday, followed by other holy days. Authorities continue to ask the public to remain vigilant and to contact police if they have any concerns about potential threats.
The investigation remains active, with detectives focusing on identifying any additional individuals who may have been involved in the planning stages. While the immediate threat has been neutralized through the arrests and seizure of potential materials, the broader context of security during religious festivals continues to require careful management by law enforcement agencies across the country.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Plot targeting Manchester's Jewish community disrupted, say police
- The Guardian World↗Police believe they have foiled ‘imminent’ attack on Manchester’s Jewish community
