Two Iranian men have been charged with terror offences following an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester with a homemade bomb. Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
They are accused of preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism on or before 20 September. Police allege the men obtained instructions to make a chlorine bomb, acquired components for an improvised explosive device, and researched potential targets.
The prosecution stated they carried out "hostile reconnaissance" on buildings in Manchester, including the Heaton Park synagogue and the city's Jewish Museum. The court heard allegations that the defendants were directed by another Iranian individual believed to be in Iran.
Both men, who arrived in the UK by small boat, were arrested in Manchester's Northern Quarter on the eve of Yom Kippur. They were remanded in custody until 23 October, when they are scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey in London.