Man charged with terrorism offences following synagogue-related arrest at Manchester Airport

Thursday, 4 December 2025 16:10

By David Murphy

Mohammad Asim Bashir, of Shaftesbury Road in Cheetham Hill, was detained at Manchester Airport on 27 November. He has now been charged with one count of preparing for acts of terrorism and three counts of disseminating terrorist publications.

Police say the charges are not directly linked to the attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, which took place on 2 October. Bashir was initially arrested on suspicion of involvement in that incident but has since been released without charge in relation to it.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North West. Bashir is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 December.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “These charges aren’t directly linked to the terrorist attack which took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue but have come as a result of enquiries conducted by our investigation team.

“Our investigation into the attack remains live and I would continue to appeal to anyone with information that could potentially be of assistance to please come forward.”

Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said the charges relate to Bashir’s “conduct linked to Jihad Al-Shamie”.

He added: “Our prosecutors have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Mohammad Bashir with one offence of preparation of terrorist acts and three offences of sharing terrorist publications with Al-Shamie and others with the intent to encourage acts of terrorism.

“We have worked closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North West as they carried out their investigation.”

GMP have thanked the public for their support and patience during the inquiry.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Bolton Cancer Voices to host festive concert at Bolton Parish Church

A special evening of seasonal music is set to take place this weekend as Bolton Cancer Voices presents ‘Christmas With Friends’ at Bolton Parish Church.
Rochdale Trading Standards win national award after £16 million fake goods seizure

Rochdale’s Trading Standards team has been honoured with a national award for its leading role in protecting families from counterfeit goods and illegal drugs.
Police appeal after man in his 20s stabbed in Rochdale

Officers are appealing for information following a serious stabbing in the early hours of Saturday morning in Rochdale
Rochdale MP hails record road funding to tackle potholes and improve journeys

A major increase in road repair funding has been welcomed by Paul Waugh MP, who says the investment will make a real difference to Rochdale’s roads after years of decline.
Tributes paid to former Rochdale academy player Ellis Robinson following his death aged 22

Former Rochdale AFC academy player Ellis Robinson has died, nine years after suffering a life-changing spinal injury while playing football.
Two arrested after high-speed chase following Oldham burglary

Two men have been arrested after a burglary in Oldham led to a 10-minute police pursuit reaching speeds of over 100mph.
Wildlife Trust launches £1 Christmas appeal to restore local habitats

Lancashire Wildlife Trust has launched a festive appeal encouraging residents to donate just £1 to help protect wild spaces and struggling species across the region.
Critical Wanted Unit wins GMP’s top award after tracking most dangerous criminals in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Police’s elite fugitive-hunting team has been named Team of the Year at the Chief Constable’s Awards, recognising its outstanding results in locating and arresting the region’s most dangerous criminals.
Village pub to be transformed into flats

A pub in Newhey that has seen less and less punters coming through its doors will be turned into flats.
Timescale for emptying Seven Sisters tower blocks revealed

It will take more than a year to move everyone out of the iconic Seven Sisters tower blocks in Rochdale, it has been revealed.
Bury FC launches search for new men’s first team manager amid club restructure

Bury Football Club is on the lookout for a new men’s first team manager following a senior restructure that sees Dave McNabb move into the role of Head of Football Operations.
Emergency crews respond to Rochdale crash involving child and two adults

Emergency services rushed to the scene of a two-car crash on Edenfield Road in Rochdale on the evening of Monday 1 December, with a child and two adults treated for minor injuries.