An alleged Islamic State fanatic, Walid Saadaoui, is on trial at Preston Crown Court, accused of plotting to mass murder Jewish people in Manchester. The jury heard that Saadaoui wept at the fear that firearms might not be smuggled into the UK, but upon learning automatic rifles and ammunition were en route, the Tunisia-born former restaurateur allegedly told an undercover operative (posing as a jihadi): “We are going to kill a lot of dirty Jews.”

The alleged plot targeted:

• A pro-Israel march in Manchester,

• Jewish communities in Prestwich, Higher Broughton, and Cheetham Hill, aiming to “kill as many Jews as possible.”

Saadaoui was arrested on May 8, 2024, in the car park of The Last Drop hotel north of Bolton, shortly after the weapons crossed via Dover. He was apprehended while attempting to flee.

Weapons Seized

Police recovered:

• Two assault rifles,

• One semi-automatic pistol,

• Nearly 200 rounds of ammunition.

Saadaoui was reportedly awaiting two more assault rifles, another pistol, and ~700 additional rounds.

Walid Saadaoui and co-accused Amar Hussein deny terror charges. Walid’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui, denies failing to disclose acts of terrorism.

Trial Evidence (Resumed Nov 3, 2025)

An undercover agent, known only as Farouk, testified for his 12th day behind a screen. Saadaoui was unaware his conversations with Farouk were recorded.

• Hours before arrest: Saadaoui and Hussein used binoculars at the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover car park, watching Farouk arrive from France in a car they believed carried weapons.

• Police photos showed the two assault rifles, handgun, magazines, and ammo in the car boot at the Last Drop hotel.

• Saadaoui was deleting Telegram messages/voice notes on the smuggling day but had earlier reminded Farouk: “Remember the plan” and reiterated intent to “kill a lot of dirty Jews.”

Farouk testified Saadaoui was “very emotional” and crying over fears the weapons wouldn’t arrive. They limited messages to emojis for security:

• Farouk sent a flower emoji upon clearing Dover,

• Saadaoui responded: “You are coming to us.”

During the drive north, they exchanged Islamic State nasheeds (religious songs).

At 11:25 am, Bilel Saadaoui messaged Walid: “May Allah safeguard you. If you see something that displeases/disturbs you, then disperse or return. This is better for you.”

During a Telegram call, an IS nasheed titled “the war has raged on the necks of the enemy” played. In another, Quranic recitation was in the background. Walid sent a voice note: “Brother, if things are ok, we are going with the permission of Allah the almighty and the majestic, we will meet there, peace be upon you.”

Charges

Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein plead not guilty to preparing terrorist acts (Dec 13, 2023 – May 9, 2024), including:

• Arranging firearms purchase/delivery,

• Conducting reconnaissance,

• Planning attacks.

Walid’s defense: He was pressured by others, intended to sabotage the plot, and planned to alert police.

Bilel Saadaoui, 36, from Hindley, Wigan, pleads not guilty to failing to disclose terrorist acts within the same period.