Two men are accused of plotting an Islamic State-inspired attack on Jews in England

LONDON– Two men accused of plotting to shoot Jews in an Islamic State-inspired attack in northwest England were held without bail on Tuesday after appearing in a London court.

Walid Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 50, were accused of plotting to use automatic weapons to kill Jews, police and military personnel, prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The duo is accused of preparing terrorist attacks between December 13 and last Thursday.

The allegations come as the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the UK reached a record high last year – with a spike following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza, according to the Community Security Trust. An advocacy group for British Jews is committed to eliminating anti-Semitism.

“This is one of several current and ongoing cases that demonstrate why the Jewish community needs such comprehensive security measures,” said Amanda Bomsztyk, the trust’s northern regional director.

A third man, Bilel Saadaoui, 35, was accused of making arrangements for the expected death of his brother, co-defendant Walid Saadaoui.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to disclose information about a terrorist attack.

Defense attorney Angelo Saponiere said Bilel Saadaoui was a family man who knew nothing about the alleged conspiracy.

The three were arrested by Greater Manchester Police last week. They were held without bail and were scheduled to appear at the Central Criminal Court for a hearing on May 24.