Two men who allegedly plotted to carry out an Islamic State-inspired gun attack on the Jewish community are facing trial next autumn.
Walid Saadaoui, 36, of Crankwood Road, Abram, and Amar Hussein, 50, of no fixed address, are accused of preparing acts of terrorism between December 13, 2023, and May 9, 2024.
The men were arrested earlier this month after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) executed four warrants in Bolton, Great Lever, Abram and Hindley – including one at Grecian Mill.
The charge against them alleges that they “made arrangements for the purchase of delivery of firearms, conducted reconnaissance and made plans of attack”.
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Walid’s brother Bilel Saadaoui, 35, of Fairclough Street, Hindley, is charged with failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.
All three defendants appeared by view link from custody for a hearing at the Old Bailey before Mr Justice Jeremy Baker on Friday.
Summarising the allegations, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward said: “The case concerns primarily, so far as the first two defendants are concerned, a plan to conduct an Isil or Daesh-inspired terrorist attack in the UK – during which it is alleged that they intended to cause multiple fatalities using automatic guns.
“The main targets of the attack plans were the Jewish community in the North West of England, members of law enforcement, and the military.
“The prosecution allege they took significant steps to prepare for that attack.”
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Mr Justice Baker said a 12-week trial would take place at Preston Crown Court from October 7 next year.
Further hearings at the Old Bailey were set for October 25 and December 20 this year.
All three defendants spoke from Wormwood Scrubs to confirm their identities during the hearing.
They were further remanded into custody.
This article contains reporting from PA.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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