British counter-terrorism police have arrested two men in their 30s over a suspected terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.

The men were arrested in Manchester on Sunday as part of a long-running investigation by counter-terrorism officers, police said.

The arrests came during the Jewish High Holy Days, including Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said the investigation had resulted in the disruption of what police believe was a plot against the Jewish community in the Manchester area.

“This has been a long-running proactive investigation which has led to the disruption of what we believe to be a plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area,” Evans said.

The two men were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remained in police custody as investigations continued.

Police also carried out searches at addresses in Salford and Liverpool as part of the investigation.

Evans said detectives did not believe there was any ongoing threat to the public, although Greater Manchester Police increased its security operation around Jewish communities during the High Holy Days.

“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,” Evans said.

“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.”

The arrests came almost a year after two Jewish worshippers were killed in a terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur.

The attack last year was carried out by a British citizen of Syrian descent who had said he was acting for Islamic State, according to police.

The Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitism in Britain, described the latest development as “utterly chilling” because of its proximity to the anniversary of last year’s synagogue attack.

The organisation said it had been in contact with police in Manchester and elsewhere throughout the High Holy Days as part of its security operations.

The latest arrests come amid heightened security around Jewish communities in Britain, particularly during major religious observances.

Police have not publicly disclosed the identities of the two suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities said members of the public should remain vigilant and report concerns to the police, while stressing that there was no indication of an immediate ongoing threat from the suspected plot. (Nigerian Tribune)