MANCHESTER — Counter Terrorism Policing London led the operation, working with Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police. The individuals remain in police custody. The two arrested men have been taken to a police station in London for questioning. Warrants for further detention of the two men have been granted, allowing them to be held until Sunday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans is the Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing. She stated that this has been a long-running proactive investigation which has led to the disruption of what they believe to be a plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area.

Evans acknowledged the timing of the arrests coincides with a sensitive period for the community. "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." Yom Kippur began on Sunday, 21 September 2026. The Jewish festival of Sukkot falls on Friday, 25 September 2026.

"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." Police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter. Searches were conducted at Epworth Street in Liverpool and Lancaster Road in Salford. The searches in Liverpool and Salford have been completed. Examination of electronic devices such as mobile phones is under way.

Police have not officially stated the motive, nationality, or ethnicity of those detained. Islamist extremism is among the possible motives under consideration by investigators. Investigators are searching for any sign of a state link to the alleged plot. The UK’s terrorism threat level is currently at severe.

Why It Matters

The arrests come close to the anniversary of a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue. An attack on a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur in 2025 left two people dead. The attacker in the 2025 Manchester synagogue shooting was shot dead by police. The 2025 Manchester synagogue attacker was a British citizen of Syrian descent who said he was acting for Islamic State.

The Community Security Trust described the development as deeply concerning given the recent history. "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." "We urge the Jewish community to remain calm and alert, and to report any suspicious activity to police on 999 and then to CST."

Timeline

On the same date, the attacker in the 2025 Manchester synagogue shooting was shot dead by police. Also on 2 October 2025, it was established that the 2025 Manchester synagogue attacker was a British citizen of Syrian descent who said he was acting for Islamic State.

On 20 September 2026, two men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences at Newton Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter at 2.34pm on Sunday, 20 September 2026, as part of an ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigation. Later on 2026-09-20, counter-terrorism police arrested two men in Manchester on Sunday at 2:45pm. On 2026-09-20, the men were arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act.

What's New

Additional reporting indicates that Counter Terrorism Policing London, working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police, led the operation. The individuals remain in police custody, and searches are ongoing at two addresses: Epworth Street, Liverpool; Lancaster Road, Salford.