A number of roads in Salford, including Lancaster Road, were cordoned off by police on Sunday
A major police response in Salford was linked to a counter-terrorism operation in Manchester city centre over the weekend, it has been confirmed.
Police swarmed Newton Street in the Northern Quarter on Sunday afternoon (September 20) as part of an ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigation. A large cordon was put in place on the scene into Sunday evening.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said two men were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They were taken into custody for questioning.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
At the same time on Sunday evening, a major operation was underway on Lancaster Road in Salford. Lancaster Road was cordoned off near Eccles Old Road and around its junction with Cholmondeley Road – with a 100m cordon in place.
Voltaire Avenue was also blocked, with photos showing a number of Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) vans in the area. Pictures from the scene showed a large police presence, with officers and vehicles gathered around the cordon.
In an update issued this morning (Monday), a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson confirmed the incidents in Salford and Manchester city centre were linked. The M.E.N has contacted the Metropolitan and Counter Terrorism police for further information.
It is understood that there was no public threat amid the incidents. In a previous statement on the Manchester city centre police response yesterday, a spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police 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.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login