Two Iranian nationals have been charged in the United Kingdom over an alleged plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, British police said Friday.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on September 20 and charged Friday with preparing to carry out terrorist acts.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the two men arrived in the United Kingdom by small boat, one in 2020 and the other in 2023. The Home Office said one was granted asylum while the other has an active asylum claim.
Police said the two men were allegedly in “contact with an overseas third-party” who may be located in Iran in connection with the plot. They were both held in custody and are due to appear in court on Saturday.
Counterterrorism police said the allegations include getting materials and instructions to make a homemade explosive, researching possible targets online and conducting surveillance of potential attack locations.
The men were arrested in Manchester before being taken to a police station in London. Officers also searched properties in Liverpool and in Salford as part of the investigation.
British authorities said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public connected to the case. Counterterrorism police also said the investigation is separate and unrelated from the investigation into the incident near RAF Fairford.
The arrests come during the Jewish High Holy Days and around the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester. Police said the timing has caused concern among Jewish communities in the area.
British police said it will maintain a visible police presence in Jewish communities and continue working with community leaders and security groups.
Authorities have not released a motive beyond the alleged plot or identified the overseas contact referenced by police. The investigation remains ongoing.