Two men have been charged with terrorism offences following an investigation into an alleged plot targeting the Jewish community in the Manchester area.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were arrested in Manchester on 20th September.
The two Iranian nationals were charged today, Friday 2nd 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 alleged plot.
Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 3 October.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, 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 added: “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.”
The two men were arrested in Newton Street, Manchester, on Sunday, 20 September and were subsequently taken to a London police station.
On Tuesday, 22nd September, officers obtained warrants of further detention for both men. Another warrant was obtained on Saturday, 26th September, allowing the men to be held in custody up until Sunday, 4th October.
Searches at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford, were carried out as part of the investigation. Both searches have been completed.
Police said anyone with concerns should report them online at gov.uk/ACT or call police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, people should call 999.