Police in Britain said they have released two teenagers arrested in connection to the Colleyville hostage-taking incident at Congregation Beth Israel synagogue on Saturday, January 15.
According to a Tuesday tweet sent out by the Greater Manchester Police, the two teenagers were detained in South Manchester on Sunday, January 16 by Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
Greater Manchester Police revealed that officers from Counter Terror Policing North West made the arrests as part of the ongoing investigation into the attack that took place at the Synagogue in Colleyville and that the teens had remained in custody for questioning.
“CTP International operations continues to assist the investigation being led by the U.S. authorities, and police forces in the region are liaising with local communities to put in place any measures to provide further reassurance,” the department said.
However, Greater Manchester Police then sent out another tweet on Tuesday, stating that both teenagers have since been “released without charge.”
Greater Manchester Police also revealed that an address in North Manchester was searched as part of the investigation. Police in Britain did not reveal the identity of anyone who may reside at that address.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dominic Scally of Counter Terrorism Policing North West revealed that CTP North West continues to assist the investigation led by U.S. authorities and that constructive meetings with colleagues from the United States had taken place overnight.
“As part of our inquiries, 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,” Scally added.
The arrests came after Malik Faisal Akram, 44, a British national, attacked the synagogue in Colleyville, taking four hostages, including Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker.
The synagogue was holding its sabbath day service on Saturday, January 15, when Akram stormed the house of worship. The service was live-streamed, according to The Dallas Morning News.
The hostages later escaped before a hostage rescue team from the federal Bureau of Investigation shot Akram dead.
Greater Manchester Police did not reveal how the two teens were connected to Akram or the hostage situation.
However, the FBI revealed that Akram is still the only suspect in the synagogue attack.
The FBI is still conducting an investigation of the incident and is asking tipsters to submit tips at tips.fbi.gov.
