Breaking: Counter-Terror Police Swoop in Manchester, Two Charged in Major Operation

Counter-terrorism police have confirmed that two men arrested in Manchester city centre on Sunday, September 20, remain in custody for questioning as their operation has significantly widened. Officers initially descended on Newton Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter at approximately 2:45 pm, arresting two individuals on suspicion of offences under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. This initial swoop was swiftly followed by a second major police operation on Lancaster Road in Salford, and subsequently, a third search was initiated at an address on Epworth Street in Liverpool.

The operation, spearheaded by Counter Terrorism Policing London in close collaboration with Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police, saw a substantial police presence across all affected areas. On Sunday evening, a large cordon was established on Newton Street, remaining in place for hours. Simultaneously, Lancaster Road in Salford was also cordoned off near Eccles Old Road and its junction with Cholmondeley Road, with a 100-meter perimeter. Voltaire Avenue was also blocked, and residents reported seeing numerous Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) vans and a significant number of officers.

The focus of the Salford search quickly shifted to Lancaster House, a men's hostel located on Lancaster Road, a large stone brick property situated near Salford Royal Hospital. Residents living on the street described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, with many being unable to leave their homes due and receiving limited information from emergency services. Ambulances and fire crews were also present at the scene on Sunday night and into Monday morning, although Lancaster Road has since fully reopened. While the nature of anything found at the property has not been disclosed, police confirmed search operations were ongoing.

Metropolitan Police statements throughout the investigation have consistently affirmed that the two arrested males remain in police custody and that searches are continuing at the Salford and Liverpool addresses. Despite the intense police activity, authorities have stressed that there is no information to suggest any wider threat to the public, aiming to provide reassurance to communities. The national terror threat level currently stands at 'severe', indicating that an attack is considered 'highly likely'.

The arrests and subsequent searches coincided with fearful Jewish communities celebrating Yom Kippur, the holiest day in their calendar, and as the first anniversary of a deadly terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue approaches. Counter Terrorism Policing continues to urge anyone with information or concerns to report them via gov.uk/ACT or by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, further details are not being released at this stage.