A trial date has been set for two men accused of preparing a terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Manchester. They deny the charges.

Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link on Friday 23 October, BBC News reported. They are charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts on or before 20 September 2026.

Their trial was set to begin at Manchester Crown Court on 15 June 2027 and is expected to last five weeks. The next hearing is due on 16 April 2027, according to the BBC.

The prosecution alleges that the men carried out hostile reconnaissance at Heaton Park Synagogue and the Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill, and that they were in contact with an Iranian national who directed and co-ordinated the planned attack. It is also alleged that they obtained instructions to make a chlorine bomb, acquired liquids, components and equipment to make an improvised explosive device, and researched potential targets online. Both men deny the charges.

Best of Manchester reported on the men's first court appearance earlier this month. Because the case is now before the courts, we report only what has been said in court and in official statements.

Sources: BBC News, 23 October 2026; Crown Prosecution Service; Metropolitan Police / Counter Terrorism Policing. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.