They will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday

Two Iranian nationals have been charged with terror offences over an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester ahead of Yom Kippur, Counter Terrorism Policing has said.

Rahman Salehi, 35, of Salford and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, who are thought to have arrived in the UK by small boat, are accused of preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism on or before 20 September.

The duo were arrested in the Northern Quarter area of the city, when thousands of British Jews were in synagogues.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the news two Iranian men have been charged over an alleged plot in the Manchester area would be "deeply distressing" to the Jewish community.

Searches were carried out at addresses in Liverpool and Salford

As part of the investigation, searches were carried out at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford.

Counter Terrorism Police allege the two men were in contact with an overseas third-party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "These recent events are a stark reminder of the threats posed against this country from both terrorists and foreign state actors.

"Two suspects have been charged with planning a terrorist attack against Jewish communities in Manchester.

"This news will be deeply distressing for our Jewish communities, coming so soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

"I know this will be especially true in Manchester, as we mark one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

"The fact both suspects arrived by small boat several years ago is a reminder of the importance of our relentless work to tackle illegal migration into this country. While numbers are down, I know there is more we must do.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further on this case. But I can say that we will be unrelenting in our efforts to protect our Jewish communities, root out antisemitism in this country, and maintain our border security."

The charges include communicating with others using encrypted applications to:

acquire components to assemble a homemade explosive device

acquiring a document entitled "steps for making (a) powder chlorine and car brake oil/fluid bomb"

acquiring video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device

acquiring liquids, components and equipment required in order to manufacture or assembling an improvised explosive device

using the internet to identify and research potential targets for attack

acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets for attack

and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.

Greater Manchester Police Dep Ch Con, Terry Woods, said: "We know this is particularly acute on the calendar anniversary of last year's terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue, and during the Jewish High Holy days.

"Our ongoing and robust policing plans within the Jewish communities will endure, and the public can expect to see continued visibility with officers providing engagement and security."

The men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

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