Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West have been in constant contact with US authorities to support them with their investigation and continue to lead a local investigation.
On Sunday 16 January 2022, CTPNW arrested two teenagers in South Manchester in connection with the siege at a synagogue in Texas on Saturday (15 January 2022). The suspect, who died at the scene, was 44-year-old Malik Faisal Akram, originally from the Blackburn area of Lancashire.
Two teenagers, who were both detained in South Manchester, have since been released without charge.
An address in North Manchester has been searched as part of the CTP North West investigation.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dominic Scally, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “CTP North West is continuing to assist with the investigation which is being led by US authorities. Overnight, constructive meetings with colleagues from the United States have taken place.”
“As part of our enquiries, we’re also working with colleagues in other forces and Lancashire Police are working with communities in the Blackburn area to put measures in place to provide reassurance.”
Communities Defeat Terrorism, and the help and support we get from the public is a vital part of that. So we would urge everyone to remain vigilant, and if you do see anything suspicious then please report it, in confidence, to police via the Anti-terrorist hotline or gov.uk/ACT. It won’t ruin lives, but it may well save them.