- Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, have appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts after allegedly targeting Manchester's Jewish community with a homemade explosive device.
- Prosecutors alleged that the two Iranian nationals carried out hostile reconnaissance at locations including Manchester's Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue while acting under instructions from an individual believed to be operating from Iran.
- The court heard that the defendants received instructions to assemble a chlorine bomb, acquired components for an improvised explosive device, and researched plans and maps of potential targets prior to their arrests on 20 September.
- District Judge Nina Tempia remanded both men into custody until their next scheduled appearance at the Old Bailey on 23 October, as Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood highlighted the distress the alleged plot causes to Jewish communities during the High Holy Days, noting that both suspects had previously arrived in the UK via small boats.
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