Iranian men 'identified Heaton Park Synagogue as bomb plot target'

Two Iranian men, Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi, have been charged with allegedly targeting a Manchester synagogue for a homemade bomb plot. The pair were said to have conducted "hostile reconnaissance" at the Heaton Park Synagogue and the Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill. The attack in question occurred on October 2, 2023, when Jihad Al-Shamie drove into the synagogue's gates and began stabbing attackers with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt.

Ahmadyan and Salehi were arrested on September 20, 2023, and charged with preparing for terrorist acts. They are reported to have had contact with an Iranian national who allegedly directed and coordinated the planned attack. The court heard that both men had arrived in the UK via small boats, Ahmadyan in 2023 and Salehi in 2020.

Both men were granted asylum in the UK in 2023 (Salehi has leave to remain until July 2028) and are accused of researching potential targets, acquiring components for a chlorine bomb, and using the internet to identify targets. District Judge Nina Tempia remanded the two men into custody, with their next appearance scheduled for October 23 at the Old Bailey.