Two people arrested in Manchester on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack against Jews in northern England

Two men have been detained in Manchester on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack against the Jewish community in northern England.

The arrests were carried out in central Manchester on Sunday, while the two suspects, both in their 30s, were taken into custody by the authorities. As part of the same investigation, security forces also searched properties in Salford and Liverpool.

Vicky Evans, the British counterterrorism service’s national senior coordinator, said the operation was the result of a lengthy preventive investigation.

According to investigators, there is no evidence of an immediate or ongoing threat to the public. Despite this, security levels in the area have been increased.

Greater Manchester Police has stepped up checks and patrols near synagogues, as well as in other areas frequented by the Jewish community, ahead of major religious holidays.

British authorities say vigilance remains high following last year’s attack on a synagogue in the city, in which two people were killed. According to them, the attacker was a British national of Syrian origin and had stated that he was acting on behalf of the Islamic State.