Two Iranian men charged over suspected terror plot targeting Jewish people in Manchester ahead of Yom Kippur

Two Iranian nationals have been charged over a suspected terror plot against Jewish people in Manchester.

Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were arrested by counter terror police in Manchester on 20 September.

Both suspects have been charged with preparation of terrorist acts over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area.

Both suspects came to the UK on small boats several years ago, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said.

It is understood the two men arrived in 2020 and 2023, with one granted asylum, while the other has a live asylum claim.

The allegations relate to offences ahead of the festival of Yom Kippur - widely considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - Counter Terrorism Policing said.

The charges allege the defendants tried to get components for a homemade bomb, including a manual on how to make an explosive device out of chlorine and brake fluid.

It is also 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.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), said: "These are extremely serious charges and allegations.

"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."

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

Salehi and Ahmadyan are alleged to have intended to commit acts of terrorism, or assist another to commit acts on or before 20 September.

This includes communicating with others using encrypted apps to get components to assemble a homemade explosive device.

They are also charged with trying to get hold of a document entitled "steps for making a powder chlorine and car brake oil/fluid bomb".

The charges state they tried to "acquire video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device" and that they tried to "acquire liquids, components and equipment required to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device".

It also alleges they used "the internet to identify and research potential targets for attack, acquired images, plans and maps of potential targets for attack and conducted reconnaissance of potential locations for attack".

As part of the investigation, searches at homes in Liverpool and Salford were carried out, police said.

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said prosecutors have decided "there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court" while reminding people that, with legal proceedings active, online commentary should be avoided.

He added: "We want to assure the Jewish community that working with the police, their safety and that of the wider public is our highest priority."

(c) Sky News 2026: Two Iranian men charged over suspected terror plot targeting Jewish people in Man