Court Told of a Homemade Bomb Aimed at Manchester’s Jewish Community
Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accused of preparing an act of terrorism on or before 20 September. The prosecutor said they are accused of targeting Manchester’s Jewish community “through the use of a homemade explosive device”, and of carrying out hostile reconnaissance. Both were remanded in custody until 23 October.
Mark Luckett, prosecuting, said the two had been observed “identifying attempted targets such as the Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue”. The court also heard that they were allegedly “directed and co-ordinated” by another Iranian individual “most likely operating within Iran”. Separately, police said the men are alleged to have obtained instructions to make a chlorine bomb, acquired liquids and components for an improvised device, and used the internet to research targets, gathering images, plans and maps. Both arrived by small boat, Salehi in 2020 and Ahmadyan in 2023; Salehi had previously claimed asylum in Germany, was granted asylum here in 2023 and has leave to remain until July 2028, while Ahmadyan’s claim is outstanding. They were arrested in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on 20 September, the eve of Yom Kippur, with searches in Liverpool and Salford. One of the buildings allegedly reconnoitred was Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue, where Melvin Kravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed a year ago when Jihad Al-Shamie drove into the gates and attacked people with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt. Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, said the charges would be “deeply distressing” as the city marked that anniversary. They appear at the Old Bailey on 23 October. Watch what the Crown says about the chain of direction.