Two men have been arrested in Birmingham and Manchester as part of the investigation into British hostage-taker Malik Faisal Akram's Texas synagogue attack.

Akram, 44, a native of Blackburn in Lancashire, was fatally shot on January 15 after the FBI raided the building in Texas following a ten-hour standoff.

Greater Manchester Police stated in a statement announcing the latest development: "Officers from Counter-Terrorism Policing (CTP) North West continue to assist US authorities with their investigation into the events in Texas.

"Two individuals were arrested this morning in Birmingham and Manchester as part of our ongoing investigation.

"They remain in custody pending interrogation.

"Officers of CTP North West continue to communicate with and assist colleagues from other forces.

"Communities defeat terrorism, and the assistance and support we receive from the public are critical to our success.

"As a result, we would urge everyone to maintain vigilance and to report anything suspicious to police in confidence via the anti-terrorist hotline or Action Counters Terrorism."

"It will not jeopardize lives, but it may very well save them."

On Tuesday, two adolescents arrested for the incident were freed without prosecution.

The hostages were released uninjured, and US Vice President Joe Biden declared the incident a "terrorist act."

The audio appeared to reveal a dramatic final conversation between Akram and his younger brother Gulbar, during which the armed 44-year-old was encouraged to surrender by his younger brother.

The Jewish Chronicle got the recording from a security source. It shows Gulbar pleading with his brother to halt.

"Why are you doing that, man?" he inquired. What are you doing, you know? What is the matter with you?"

Akram's responses include a wish to die as a martyr and some expletive-laden and frantic attempts to excuse his acts.

"Why have you come to die for?" Gulbar inquired, still attempting to reason with the hostage-taker. However, why?

"Whatever you're doing, guy, you don't have to do this.

"Put it away; you'll get some time, and you'll emerge.

"Think about your children, man; these are innocent people – these are innocent people you've got there, man."

MI5 investigated Akram in 2020 but determined that he did not pose a credible danger to national security at the time, according to official sources quoted by the PA news agency.

It is unknown how Akram, who had a criminal record in the United Kingdom, entered the United States two weeks ago. According to US investigators, Akram obtained a visa, landed at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and purchased the weapon used in the attack.

He reportedly remained at a homeless shelter and purchased a revolver on the street before taking four individuals hostage at the synagogue. One of whom was released after around six hours.