Counter-terrorism police swarm Manchester city centre with two arrested and cordon in place

Counter-terrorism police swarm Manchester city centre with two arrested and cordon in place Two men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences in Manchester city centre on Sunday afternoon Two men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences following a major police operation in Manchester city centre. The arrests were made on Newton Street at around 2.45pm on Sunday as part of an ongoing counter-terrorism investigation. The operation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police. A large police presence was reported in the Northern Quarter, with a cordon remaining in place on Sunday evening. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the two men were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in police custody. Officers said there is no evidence to suggest any wider threat to the public at this time. Witnesses told the Manchester Evening News they saw six unmarked police cars and plain-clothed officers wearing snoods at the time of the arrests. They also reported seeing two men handcuffed on the ground. Full police statement A Met spokesperson said: "At around 14:45 today (Sunday 20 September 2026) at Newton Street, Manchester officers from Counter Terrorism Policing arrested two individuals as part of an ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigation. "Both males were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The operation was led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police. Those arrested remain in police custody. "At this time, there is no information to suggest any wider threat to the public. Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work closely with policing partners across the country to help keep the public safe. We understand that activity of this nature may cause concern and, alongside local forces, we remain committed to providing reassurance, protective security advice and support to communities. "We encourage anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious or concerning to report it via gov.uk/ACT or by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this stage." [Image text:] 22UNW LICE POLICE