Two Iranian nationals arrested in Manchester have been charged with terrorism offences after a joint counter-terrorism investigation alleged they planned a bomb attack targeting the city’s Jewish community around Yom Kippur, police said.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, were taken into custody on September 20 in Manchester’s Northern Quarter as thousands of British Jews were in synagogues. Following authorization from the Crown Prosecution Service, both men were formally charged on Friday with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Investigators Detail Encrypted Bomb-Making Plans
According to the particulars of the charges, investigators allege the two suspects communicated via encrypted applications to acquire components for a homemade explosive device. The documents and materials detailed in the charges outline extensive preparation before their arrest.
- Acquiring a document entitled
steps for making [a] powder chlorine and car brake oil/fluid bomb
- Obtaining video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device
- Gathering liquids, components, and equipment required to build a bomb
- Using the internet to identify and research potential targets for attack
- Securing images, plans, and maps of targeted locations alongside conducting physical reconnaissance
Counter Terrorism Police allege that both defendants were in contact with an overseas third party who may be located in Iran in relation to the plot. Investigators carried out searches at residential addresses on Epworth Street in Liverpool and Lancaster Road in Salford as the inquiry continued.
Suspects Arrived Through Small Boat Crossings
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the two Iranian men suspected in the plot arrived in the UK via small boats. It is understood the pair arrived in 2020 and 2023, with one granted asylum while the other maintains a live claim.
“The fact both suspects arrived by small boat several years ago is a reminder of the importance of our relentless work to tackle illegal migration into this country. While numbers are down, I know there is more we must do.”
Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, via BBC
Mahmood added that the developments serve as a stark reminder of threats posed by both terrorists and foreign state actors. The Home Secretary noted the deep distress the news brings to Jewish communities, arriving shortly after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and coinciding with the calendar anniversary of last year’s attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue.
Police Confirm Disruption of the Manchester Plot
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said that joint intelligence work successfully disrupted the alleged plot. Authorities emphasized that they do not believe any ongoing threat to the public remains connected to this matter.
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods confirmed that strict policing plans and visible patrols within Jewish communities will endure, operating in close coordination with community leaders and the Community Security Trust.
Both defendants have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.