Two Iranian nationals have been charged with terrorism offences in connection with an alleged plot to attack the Jewish community in Manchester. Salam Ahmandyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested on September 20 and charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
The charges follow a Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation that linked the men to an overseas group associated with Iran. The pair are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday, October 3.
Details of the charges
The charges include acquiring a document titled “Steps for Making [a] Power Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/fluid Bomb” and accessing video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an explosive device. Other particulars include communicating with others using encrypted applications to acquire components for a homemade explosive device, acquiring liquids, components and equipment required for such a device, using the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets, and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.
A number of addresses across the country were searched after the pair were tracked down in Manchester. The investigation was supported by Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police.
Official statements on the alleged plot
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.”
Evans noted that the news of the alleged plot coincided with the anniversary of the “devastating” terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue last year, and came during the Jewish High Holy Day period, which has caused “a great deal of concern” to the Jewish community and the wider public. She also mentioned that the incident is not connected to the investigation into the RAF Fairford incident, but that CTP is using “the full range of our capabilities to protect the UK from any hostile acts.”
Community response and ongoing security measures
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.” He added that the force continues to work with community leaders, the Community Security Trust, and local policing teams, and that “robust policing plans within the Jewish communities will endure.”
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any concerns to police online at gov.uk/ACT or call police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.
