Counter terrorism officers have taken the lead in an investigation after two men were arrested in the Kersal & Broughton Park area of Salford.
Harley Elliot, 20, of St Brelades Drive, Salford, and McKenzie Smyth, 19, of Grantham Drive, Bury, have been charged with going equipped to cause criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.
The two men, who are white British, were arrested after police were called at 1.50am to Singleton Road, Salford, to a report of two men acting suspiciously.
Due to the circumstances of the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing North West is now leading the investigation and working closely with Greater Manchester Police to provide continued support to the local community.
Both men appeared at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 7 September.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said: “I thank the community for doing the right thing in reporting their concerns to us so our traffic patrols could respond and arrest two men who have now been charged.”
He added: “No one came to harm, but due to the nature of the incident, counter terrorism detectives are leading this investigation, and we will continue to keep local community leaders and our partner agencies updated.
“GMP will continue to work closely with the local community, including the Jewish community especially as we now move into a significant time of year for their faith, with tightened policing plans formed through engagement with our communities.
“We ask people to be vigilant and report to us anything that doesn’t seem right.”
