GMP chief moves to reassure public over 'distressing details' as court hears of alleged plot to carry out Islamic State-inspired attack on Jewish community

A chief at Greater Manchester Police has reacted to 'distressing details' heard in court after three men were charged following a terrorism investigation.

Walid Saadaoui, 36, of Crankwood Road, Abram, Wigan, and Amar Hussein, 50, of no fixed abode, are accused of plotting to carry out an Islamic State-inspired gun attack against the Jewish community.

The two men are alleged to have plotted a terror attack designed to cause “multiple fatalities using automatic weapons” in the North West of England, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard today (May 14).

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The pair also intended to target law enforcement and military as part of the “Isil or Daesh-inspired terrorist attack”, prosecutors alleged. Both are charged with the preparation of terrorist acts between December 13 2023 and May 9 2024.

Bilel Saadaoui, 35, of Fairclough Street, Hindley, also appeared before the court accused of making arrangements for Walid Saadaoui – who is his brother – after his death. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism between the same dates.

District Judge Louisa Cieciora remanded all three men into custody to appear at the Old Bailey on May 24.

Ahead of the hearing in London, GMP's Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts issued a statement in which he said the details heard in court were 'likely to have a significant impact on communities' in Greater Manchester but that 'everybody should feel safe regardless of their religion or race'.

In a further statement issued after the men had appeared in court, he said: “Today’s first court appearance has outlined some concerning and distressing