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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Damon Wilkinson

Two men arrested in Manchester today over Texas siege

Terrorism police investigating a siege at a synagogue in Texas have arrested two more men in Manchester.

Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West arrested the men on Wednesday morning in connection with the attack at in Colleyville on Saturday, January 15.

It brings the total number of people arrested in Manchester in connection with the incident to five.

A sixth man, from Birmingham, has also been arrested as part of the investigation.

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Malik Faisal Akram, 44, from Blackburn, held four hostages at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue.

All of the hostages were released without being injured, but Mr Akram was shot and killed by the FBI a short time later.

In a statement on Wednesday morning Counter Terrorism Policing North West said: "Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are continuing with their investigation following events in Texas, they are working closely with and are supporting US law enforcement.

Police in front of the Beth Israel synagogue (AP)

"As part of the local investigation, two men have been arrested this morning in Manchester. They remain in custody for questioning.

"We continue to work with colleagues from other forces.

"Communities defeat terrorism and the help and support we get from the public is a vital part of that."

Two teenagers arrested in south Manchester the day after the incident were released without charge.

Mr Akram's family have demanded answers about how he was allowed to travel to the US as he is 'known to police'.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Akram's brother, Gulbar demanded more information about how the incident had been allowed to unfold.

"He's known to police. Got a criminal record. How was he allowed to get a visa and acquire a gun," he said.

It is understood the hostage taker had flown to America two weeks before the siege and had been living in a homeless shelter.

He bought a gun on the street, according to US President, Joe Biden.

Mr Akram's brother Gulbar said that his family were 'devastated' by his death after they spent hours talking to him in an attempt to secure a peaceful resolution.

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