Man who 'threatened to cut throats of Jews' arrested

A man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after reports of antisemitic threats being made to Jewish people.

Footage of an incident in Salford - shared on social media - showed a man being challenged by men wearing Orthodox Jewish clothing who tell him the police are on their way.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to Northumberland Street in Higher Broughton, in the heart of the city's Jewish community, at 22:37 BST on Wednesday.

Marc Levy, chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council for Greater Manchester, said it was "indicative of the surge in hate crime targeting Jewish people merely seeking to lead their lives".

He added: "This is a regular occurrence and our demands of government remain that we need strong action to ensure individuals are not radicalised to hate Jews in the UK.

"We are fortunate to be able to rely upon the professionalism of Greater Manchester Police whose swift response dealt with the threat immediately."

Mobile phone footage, shared by London-based Rabbi Doron Birnbaum, showed a man appearing to tell the Jewish men he would "take a knife and cut your [expletive] throats".

A second clip posted on social media shows him being placed in handcuffs by a police officer.

GMP said the suspect remained in custody for questioning.

Supt Yanica Weir said: "We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and intimidation against any members of our community.

"We will come after offenders."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.