Two men charged with terrorism offences in Manchester

Two Iranian nationals who arrived in the UK by small boat have been charged with terror offences over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester.

Rahman Salehi, 35, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, are accused of preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism on or before 20 September.

The men were arrested in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on the eve of Yom Kippur, considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said news that two Iranian men had been charged over the alleged plot would be “deeply distressing” to Manchester’s Jewish community, as the city marks one year since the Heaton Park Synagogue attack.

Counter Terrorism Police (CTP) allege the two men were in contact with a third-party overseas, who may be in Iran, in relation to the plot.

According to CTP, the men are accused of obtaining instructions to make a chlorine bomb, acquiring liquids, components and equipment for such a device, researching potential targets and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.

It is understood the suspects arrived via small boat in 2020 and 2023. One was granted asylum, and the other has a live asylum claim.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors.

“Two suspects have been charged with planning a terrorist attack against Jewish communities in Manchester.

“This news will be deeply distressing for our Jewish communities, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

“I know this will be especially true in Manchester, as we mark one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

“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.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further on this case. But I can say that we will be unrelenting in our efforts to protect our Jewish communities, root out antisemitism in this country, and maintain our border security.”