Two Iranian men have been charged over an alleged terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, September 20. Both were charged on Friday with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
The men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
CTP said the suspects allegedly received instructions to make a chlorine bomb. They are also accused of acquiring liquids, components and equipment needed to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device, as well as using the internet to identify and research potential targets.
The allegations include obtaining images, plans and maps of possible targets and conducting reconnaissance of potential attack locations. CTP said the men were also allegedly in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran.
Ahmadyan and Salehi are understood to have arrived in the UK by small boat in 2020 and 2023. One was granted asylum, while the other has a live asylum claim.
The arrests took place shortly before Yom Kippur, which ran from sundown on September 20 to nightfall on September 21. The day is widely considered the holiest in the Jewish calendar.
Searches were carried out at addresses on Epworth Street in Liverpool and Lancaster Road in Salford.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for CTP, said the investigation had disrupted what police believed to be a plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community. She said there was no ongoing threat to the public in relation to the matter, but urged people to remain vigilant and report concerns to police.
Evans said the arrests during the Jewish High Holy day period, alongside the anniversary of last year’s terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue and wider concerns about antisemitic incidents, would heighten concern within the Jewish community. She also said the alleged plot was not connected to the investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the charges would be deeply distressing for Jewish communities, particularly in Manchester, and described the case as a reminder of threats from terrorists and foreign state actors. She said the government would continue efforts to protect Jewish communities, tackle antisemitism and maintain border security.
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said policing plans in Jewish communities would continue, with officers providing visibility, engagement and security. Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said the charges would cause shock and concern across the region.
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said prosecutors had decided to prosecute following a fast-paced investigation. He reminded the public that proceedings were active and that the defendants had the right to a fair trial.
The charges are allegations and the case remains before the courts.
