Two Iranians charged over alleged Manchester bomb plot

Two Iranian men in the UK have been charged in relation to an alleged bomb plot against the Jewish community in Manchester.

Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday 20 September and have since been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, 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.

Mr Ahmadyan and Mr Salehi arrived via small boat in 2020 and 2023, it is understood. One was granted asylum, and the other has a live asylum claim.

Both men have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

They were arrested shortly before the start of Yom Kippur, which ran from sundown on 20 September to nightfall on 21 September and is widely considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

According to CTP, the men are accused of receiving instructions to make a chlorine bomb.

It is also alleged they acquired liquids, components and equipment required 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 an attack.

UK 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.

"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."

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing (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.

"This week also brought into sharp focus some of the wider threats being projected into the UK from Iran," she added.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said: "The charging of two men following the counter terror investigation into an alleged plot to target our Jewish community will cause shock, alarm and concern within the community and across Greater Manchester.

"This is another chilling reminder of the real and sustained threats facing our Jewish communities."