British police have arrested and charged two Iranian nationals with terrorism offences over a suspected plot to attack the Jewish community in Manchester on the eve of Yom Kippur.

London’s Metropolitan Police identified the two suspects as Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34. They were arrested in Manchester on September 20.

“Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, they were both charged on Friday, 2 October, with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Police alleged that the two men had been in contact with an overseas third party who may be based in Iran in connection with the alleged plot.

Both suspects have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 3.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said the charges were “extremely serious” and followed a joint investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing and the security services.

The investigation had led to the disruption of what police believe was a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, she said.

“I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as always, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns,” Evans said.

Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said the news would be particularly concerning for Jewish communities in Greater Manchester and beyond, especially during the Jewish High Holy Days.

“We continue to work hand in glove locally with community leaders, the Community Security Trust, and our local policing teams, and nationally with Counter Terrorism Police London which have been leading this investigation,” Woods said.

In a separate development, British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with an incident at RAF Fairford.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the man was arrested in Westminster, London, under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

“A 25-year-old man, a dual UK/Iranian national, was arrested in the Borough of Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006,” police said in an earlier statement.