Two Iranian men have been formally charged with preparing a terrorist act after allegedly targeting Manchester’s Jewish sites, including the Heaton Park Synagogue and the city’s Jewish Museum. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were arrested on 20 September 2026 and faced court on Saturday, where District Judge Nina Tempia remanded them in custody ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on 23 October.
The case has reopened painful memories for the local Jewish community, still reeling from the fatal stabbing attack at Heaton Park Synagogue a year ago, in which Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed by Jihad Al‑Shamie, 35. The latest allegations involve a planned chlorine bomb and extensive reconnaissance, prompting senior officials to stress that while the threat is not ongoing, the timing—around the High Holy Days—has caused deep anxiety.
Charges and Court Appearance
Prosecutor Mark Luckett told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that the two men are accused of “preparing acts of terrorism targeting the Jewish community in Manchester through the use of a homemade explosive device”. He outlined that the defendants “were observed carrying out what the prosecution describe as hostile reconnaissance within Manchester’s Jewish community, identifying attempted targets such as the Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue”.
Both defendants appeared via video link, with Salehi speaking through a Kurdish interpreter and Ahmadyan through a Farsi interpreter. The court confirmed their identities, dates of birth and residential addresses before the judge ordered their detention. Their next appearance at the Old Bailey on 23 October will likely address bail conditions and any further investigative steps.
Alleged Plot and Reconnaissance
According to the prosecution, the pair were in contact with a third individual, believed to be an Iranian national operating from inside Iran, who “directed and coordinated the planned attack and provided instructions on how to assemble a home‑made explosive device”. The alleged plan involved a chlorine‑based bomb, requiring the acquisition of liquids, components and equipment for an improvised explosive device.
Investigators have linked the men to a series of digital activities: searching the internet for potential targets, downloading images, plans and maps of the Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue, and conducting on‑the‑ground reconnaissance of these locations. Searches carried out at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford, uncovered material that police say supports the case against them.
The timing of the arrests—just before Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar—has heightened concern within the community. Counter‑Terrorism Policing (CTP) notes that while there is “no ongoing threat to the public”, the proximity to the anniversary of the 2025 synagogue attack and a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across the UK have amplified existing fears.
Background of the Accused
Rahman Salehi’s journey to the UK began with a small‑boat crossing in 2020. He had previously sought asylum in Germany, where he spent five years before moving to Britain. Salehi was granted asylum in 2023 and currently holds leave to remain until July 2028.
Salam Ahmadyan arrived via a small boat in 2023 and his asylum claim remains pending. Both men are described by authorities as having arrived in the country “several years ago”, a detail Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood highlighted as a reminder of the challenges surrounding illegal migration.
Response from Authorities
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood issued a statement acknowledging the distress the news has caused, particularly “coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur”. She emphasised the importance of continued efforts to tackle illegal migration, noting that while overall numbers have fallen, more work is needed.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co‑ordinator for CTP, sought to reassure the public. She recognised the “great deal of concern” the alleged plot has generated, especially given its timing during the High Holy Day period and the recent anniversary of the Heaton Park attack. While confirming that the incident and a separate RAF Fairford investigation are unrelated, Evans stressed that CTP, together with national security partners, is “using the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts”.
Why it Matters
This case underscores the persistent vulnerability of minority communities to ideologically driven violence, even when the immediate threat is contained. The alleged plot, timed to coincide with the Jewish High Holy Days, highlights how terrorists exploit periods of heightened religious significance to maximise impact and fear. Moreover, the involvement of individuals with complex migration histories raises broader questions about integration, radicalisation pathways, and the effectiveness of existing safeguards. As the UK continues to confront rising antisemitism and the legacy of recent attacks, the outcome of these proceedings will influence both community confidence and future counter‑terrorism strategies.
