Two men charged with suspected terror plot targeting Jewish Community in Manchester

Two men have been charged with terrorism offences following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area.

Salam Ahmadyan 36 (05.03.1990) of Liverpool and Rahman Salehi 34 (28.10.1991) of Salford, both Iranian nationals, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, 20 September.

Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, they were both charged on Friday, 2 October, with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

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 men have been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 3 October.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator 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.

“I’m aware that the news of this alleged plot coming during the High Holy day period has caused a great deal of concern to the Jewish community, as well as with the wider public. 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.

“This week also brought into sharp focus some of the wider threats being projected into the UK from Iran. While this incident and the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident are not connected in any way, I want to reassure the public that CTP, working with our national security partners, are using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts.

“I hope that our actions in this case show that CTP are working proactively and that we will act swiftly whenever we suspect there to be a threat to the public in order to keep them safe.

“CTP has been supported by colleagues in the North West, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police during this investigation and we continue to work with those colleagues as some enquiries continue. CTP is also working closely with police forces across the country to provide specialist protective security advice and support for areas with Jewish communities to help keep them safe.

“Finally, I would like to thank the public – particularly those in affected areas in Manchester and Liverpool - for their support while this investigation has been ongoing. As ever, I urge the public to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns then do not hesitate to act, and contact police.”

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.”

If you see anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then report it to police online at gov.uk/ACT or call police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.

The particulars of the charges are as follows:

Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan on or before the 20 September 2026, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism, or assisting another to commit such acts, engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention, including:

1. Communicating with others using encrypted applications to acquire components to assemble a homemade explosive device.
2. Acquiring a document entitled “Steps for Making [a] Powder Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/Fluid Bomb”.
3. Acquiring video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device.
4. Acquiring liquids, components and equipment required in order to manufacture or assembling an improvised explosive device.
5. Using the internet to identify and research potential targets for attack.
6. Acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets for attack.
7. Conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.

Contrary to section 5(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006

Background:

The two men were arrested in Newton Street, Manchester on Sunday, 20 September and were subsequently taken to a London police station.

On Tuesday, 22 September, officers obtained warrants of further detention for both men, and another warrant of further detention was obtained on Saturday, 26 September meaning the men could be held in custody up until Sunday 4 October.

As part of the investigation, searches at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool and Lancaster Road, Salford were carried out both of which have been completed.