Two Iranian nationals charged over alleged chlorine bomb plot targeting Manchester's Jewish community
The men arrived in the UK by small boat and are accused of obtaining instructions for a chlorine device and conducting reconnaissance on targets. They were arrested in the Northern Quarter on the eve of Yom Kippur, as Manchester marks one year since the Heaton Park synagogue attack.
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Two Iranian nationals who arrived in the UK by small boat have been charged with terror offences over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester.
Rahman Salehi, 35, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, are accused of preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism on or before September 20.
Counter Terrorism Police allege the men were in contact with a third party overseas, who may be in Iran, in relation to the plot. They are accused of obtaining instructions to make a chlorine bomb, acquiring liquids, components and equipment for such a device, researching potential targets and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.
The men were arrested in Manchester's Northern Quarter on September 20, the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Searches were carried out at addresses on Lancaster Road in Salford and Epworth Street in Liverpool.
It is understood the suspects arrived by small boat in 2020 and 2023. One was granted asylum and the other has a live asylum claim.
What has the Home Secretary said?
Shabana Mahmood said: "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."
She added: "I know this will be especially true in Manchester, as we mark one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. 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."
What are GMP doing?
Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: "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. 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."
The men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who has been charged in connection with the alleged plot?
- Rahman Salehi, 35, from Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, have both been charged with terrorism offences.
- Where were the suspects arrested?
- The two men were detained by police in Manchester's Northern Quarter on the eve of Yom Kippur.
- What are the men accused of doing?
- Counter Terrorism Police allege the men gathered materials for a chlorine device and conducted reconnaissance to target Manchester's Jewish community.