Two Iranians charged in UK over plot targeting Jewish community

Two Iranian nationals suspected of planning a terror attack targeting the Jewish community in Britain have been charged.

Britain's Counter Terrorism Policing said Friday (local time) it had charged Salam Ahmadian, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, both Iranian nationals, with preparing an act of terrorism.

"The two Iranian nationals, from Liverpool and Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sept. 20," police said in a statement, according to AFP.

Police added that the two men were suspected of having been in contact with a third party believed to be based in Iran in connection with the alleged plot.

However, police said they did not believe there was any ongoing threat to the public in connection with the case, and urged anyone with concerns to contact police.

The two were arrested in the days leading up to Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Manchester was the scene of a terror attack on Oct. 2 last year, when an attacker drove a vehicle into worshippers and then wielded a knife at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, killing two people and injuring three.

The timing of the alleged plot — coinciding with the first anniversary of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation attack — has heightened concern within the Jewish community.

British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the two suspects were believed to have entered the country on small boats several years ago, adding that the case underscored the need for relentless efforts to stamp out illegal immigration.