A man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity as part of an investigation into a terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester last year, police have said.
Officers arrested the 49-year-old man at an address in Salford on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said in a statement. He is the eighth person to be arrested in connection with the attack, and remains in custody for questioning.
The arrest relates directly to the attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on 2 October last year, which killed 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz and left three others with serious injuries.
Knifeman Jihad Al-Shamie was shot by officers after the incident. The 35-year-old was wearing a vest that looked like an “explosive device” – which was later found to be not be “viable” – during the attack which saw several people stabbed.
Police said Tuesday’s arrest brings the total number of people arrested in connection with the investigation to eight.
This includes a 30-year-old man arrested in October last year on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, who remains under investigation.
It also includes a man who has since been charged with terrorism offences that are not directly linked to the attack.
Assistant chief constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said the loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz had been informed of the arrest and urged anyone with any information on the attack to come forward.
“This evening we have arrested a 49-year-old man in the Salford area on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000,” he said.
“The suspected offence relates directly to the terrorist attack that took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in October. The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz, as well as those seriously injured in the attack, have been updated on this latest development.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the attack and getting answers for those affected, including the local community. We are prepared to take swift, firm action where we suspect criminal offences may have occurred.
“Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again urge anybody who may have information that could assist us to please contact police.”
