Two Iranian men have been charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were arrested in Manchester on 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, according to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP).
Alleged overseas contact
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. Both have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
Police statement
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, from 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."
Context of heightened concern
Evans said she is aware that news of this alleged plot "coming during the High Holy day period has caused a great deal of concern to the Jewish community."
"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," she added.
