Two men charged with suspected terror plot against Jewish community in Manchester

Two men have been charged over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area ahead of Yom Kippur, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said.

Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were both charged on Friday with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

It is alleged that the two men were in contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot, CTP said.

The pair, who are Iranian nationals, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, September 20.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 3.

It is said that Salehi and Ahmadyan, on or before September 20 2026, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism, or assisting another to commit such acts, engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention.

This includes:

• Communicating with others using encrypted applications to acquire components to assemble a homemade explosive device
• Acquiring a document entitled “steps for making (a) powder chlorine and car brake oil/fluid bomb”
• Acquiring video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device
• Acquiring liquids, components and equipment required in order to manufacture or assembling an improvised explosive device
• Using the internet to identify and research potential targets for attack
• Acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets for attack; and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.

As part of the investigation, searches at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford, were carried out.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for CTP, said: “These are extremely serious charges and allegations, and have come about from a joint CTP investigation, working closely with our partners in the security services.

“This investigation has led to the disruption of what we believe to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester.

“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as always, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns.

“I’m aware that the news of this alleged plot coming during the High Holy day period has caused a great deal of concern to the Jewish community, as well as with the wider public.

“It also coincides with the anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack last year at Heaton Park synagogue and comes in a wider context of increasing antisemitic incidents across the UK, so we are very aware that this will likely increase what were already heightened concerns amongst the Jewish community.

“This week also brought into sharp focus some of the wider threats being projected into the UK from Iran.

“While this incident and the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected in any way, I want to reassure the public that CTP, working with our national security partners, are using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts.

“I hope that our actions in this case show that CTP are working proactively and that we will act swiftly whenever we suspect there to be a threat to the public in order to keep them safe.

“CTP has been supported by colleagues in the North West, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police during this investigation and we continue to work with those colleagues as some enquiries continue.

“CTP is also working closely with police forces across the country to provide specialist protective security advice and support for areas with Jewish communities to help keep them safe.

“Finally, I would like to thank the public – particularly those in affected areas in Manchester and Liverpool - for their support while this investigation has been ongoing.

“As ever, I urge the public to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns then do not hesitate to act, and contact police.”

More to follow...

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