Two jailed over plot to attack Jewish community – Kelly Brocklehurst led by Harpreet Sandhu KC for the Crown
Two men who planned to target the Jewish community in Manchester in what police said could have been “the UK’s most deadly terror attack” have been jailed for life.
Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, arranged for guns to be smuggled into the UK as part of an “Isis-inspired plot”, Preston Crown Court heard.
They were caught by an undercover operative who played a “crucial role” in foiling their plans, Greater Manchester Police said.
No specific attack target site or date was identified, but prosecutors said the men planned to launch a gun assault on a march against antisemitism by the end of summer 2024, and then head to north Manchester to carry on their killing spree.
During the sentencing hearing, Mr Justice Wall said: “I am sure this would have led to the deaths of many people and serious injuries to many, many more.
“Your plan envisaged you and two others discharging AK-47s into a large crowd of marchers, who were unarmed and defenceless.
“One-hundred-and-twenty bullets could have been discharged before any reloads were required. You planned to have spare magazines available.
“Your attack would have led to the deaths of people of all ages, including children.”
The court heard how Saadaoui, of Abram, Wigan, aimed to smuggle four AK-47 assault rifles, two handguns and 900 rounds of ammunition into the UK.
Mr Justice Wall commended the bravery of the undercover operative ‘Farouk’, adding it was “a dangerous and difficult job”.
“He has potentially saved many lives by putting his own life on the line.”
On 13th February 2026 Saadaoui and Hussein were given minimum prison terms of 37 and 26 years respectively.
Men jailed over plot to attack Jewish community in Manchester – BBC News
