Two Iranian men charged with an alleged bomb plot against the Jewish community in Manchester arrived in the UK by small boats.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, September 20, and were both charged on Friday with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said.
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. Ahmadyan and Salehi arrived via small boat in 2020 and 2023, it is understood. One was granted asylum, and the other has a live asylum claim.
Court appearance and alleged details
Both men have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. They were arrested shortly before the start of Yom Kippur – which was from sundown on September 20 to nightfall on September 21 – and is widely considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
According to CTP, the men are accused of getting instructions to make a chlorine bomb. It is also alleged they acquired liquids, components and equipment required in order to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device.
They are also accused of using the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets 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.
Official statements
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.”
She added: “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.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, 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.”
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: “We know how concerning this news will be to Jewish communities in Greater Manchester, and beyond. We know this is particularly acute on the calendar anniversary of last year’s terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue, and during the Jewish High Holy days. We continue to work hand in glove locally with community leaders, the Community Security Trust, and our local policing teams, and nationally with Counter Terrorism Police London, which have been leading this investigation. Our ongoing and robust policing plans within the Jewish communities will endure, and the public can expect to see continued visibility with officers providing engagement and security.”
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We have decided to prosecute Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan following a fast-paced Counter Terrorism Policing investigation in Greater Manchester in September targeting the Jewish community. Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and we remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendants in this case are active and they have the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. We understand that this case may cause concern, particularly considering the arrests came on the eve of Yom Kippur. We want to assure the Jewish community that working with the police, their safety and that of the wider public is our highest priority.”
