UK Police Charge Two Iranian Men Over Suspected Yom Kippur Terror Plot in Manchester

Charges filed in Manchester terror plot

British counter-terrorism police have charged two Iranian citizens with preparing acts of terrorism against the Jewish community in Manchester. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, a resident of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were taken into custody by police in Manchester on Sunday, 20 September 2026. The Crown Prosecution Service approved formal charges against both men on Friday, 2 October 2026. Investigators stated that the planned attack was scheduled to coincide with the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the defendants were suspected of maintaining contact with a third operative based abroad, potentially in Iran, during the planning of the operation.

Police mobilization and regional response

The formal charging of the two suspects occurred as law enforcement marked one year since an armed assault on a Manchester synagogue. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson addressed regional security on Friday, stating that the Jewish community faces a unique threat not shared by any other group. Watson stated that officers would exercise every sinew to protect Jewish residents and institutions across the region. Community organizations noted that heightened security protocols remain in effect across Greater Manchester, with local leaders pointing to persistent safety concerns among residents.

The October 2025 Heaton Park attack

The charges arrived on the exact first anniversary of the 2 October 2025 attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in north Manchester. During morning prayers on Yom Kippur, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie drove his vehicle directly into the synagogue gates and collided with the outer wall, striking security guard Bernard Agyemang. Al-Shamie then exited the vehicle armed with a knife and wearing an explosive vest, which police later determined was a fake dummy belt. During the assault, Al-Shamie placed a 999 emergency call to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist organisation. Responding police officers shot Al-Shamie dead at the scene after he attacked worshippers in the courtyard.

Casualties and defensive actions

The 2025 assault resulted in two deaths and left three other people severely injured. Melvin Cravitz, 66, died after sustaining multiple stab wounds, while 53-year-old Adrian Daulby died after being struck by a stray police bullet fired at the attacker. Volunteer guard Andrew Franks confronted Al-Shamie in the courtyard, sustaining severe injuries while delaying the assailant long enough for worshippers inside to lock the doors. When the attack began shortly after 9:00, only 40 people had entered the hall out of the congregation's 800 members, preventing further casualties before the full service gathered.

Community trauma and heightened security

One year after the killings, the Heaton Park synagogue has installed reinforced fencing, surveillance cameras, and permanent security personnel around its brick building. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who grew up in the neighborhood and has led the congregation for 18 years, reflected on how the attack changed his understanding of life in the country.

It simply did not fit my picture of what Britain is.

Mark Levy, representing the Jewish Representative Council for Greater Manchester, described the anniversary as a day of immense grief and trauma, stating that community members still feel they carry a target on their backs.