Brief

Two Iranian nationals charged with plotting Manchester Jewish community attack

Metropolitan Police say the suspects were in contact with an overseas party and the plot has been disrupted.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 08:34:51 GMT

British police have charged two Iranian men with planning a terror attack on Manchester's Jewish community, the Metropolitan Police said on Friday.

What happened

The 36‑year‑old Salam Ahmadyan of Liverpool and the 34‑year‑old Rahman Salehi of Salford were arrested in Manchester on 20 September, according to a police release. The alleged plot was disrupted before any public threat materialised.

What the reports add

CBS reported that the suspects were in contact with an overseas third‑party possibly based in Iran. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

What was said

Home Minister Shabana Mahmood said the news would be "deeply distressing" for Jewish communities, especially as it comes a year after the Heaton Park synagogue attack that killed two people. She also noted the suspects arrived in the UK by small boat, linking the case to broader migration concerns.

How it came about

The arrests follow a series of recent terrorism‑related incidents in the UK, including the 2025 Heaton Park synagogue attack and a separate plot near RAF Fairford that involved five British nationals.

Key facts

Two Iranian nationals, Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi, were charged with plotting a terror attack on Manchester's Jewish community. (cbsnews.com)
The suspects were arrested on 20 September in Manchester. (cbsnews.com)
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said there is no ongoing public threat. (cbsnews.com)
Home Minister Shabana Mahmood called the news deeply distressing for Jewish communities. (cbsnews.com)