Revealed: The true story of the ‘horsemen of the Ayatollah’ who rode to defend pro-Iranian supporters in Manchester – sparking claims of a ‘sharia police patrol’: IAN GALLAGHER

The Unlikely Cavalry of Manchester

Earlier this month, two imposing figures on horseback unexpectedly emerged in Manchester’s city center, leaving onlookers both intrigued and unsettled. Clad in peaked caps and what seemed like a coordinated uniform, the riders appeared as though they had materialized from a distant conflict, according to a passerby. Their presence stirred speculation, with some likening them to a “strange militia” stationed in an urban setting.

A Night of Tension and Tradition

On March 4, the event unfolded outside the Manchester Islamic Centre on Sidney Street. A candlelit gathering honored Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the late Iranian Supreme Leader, amid murmurs of his assassination by US-Israeli forces. The atmosphere was charged, with anti-regime protesters poised to respond. By 9pm, a standoff had formed between rival groups, separated by police lines. It was during this heightened moment that the two-man cavalry entered the scene.

While the police officers present remained on foot, the riders’ mounted presence created a striking contrast. They positioned themselves clearly in support of pro-Ayatollah demonstrators, who were outnumbered. A witness described their actions as “guarding their own and trying to intimidate people,” noting that anti-regime protesters were left questioning their identity. “They just sat on their horses, staring coldly ahead,” the account added, “without offering any explanation.”

‘I had no idea a protest was going on. Because it was getting violent, we thought that if we kept the horses near the entrance of the vigil it would act a deterrent to any troublemakers.’

One of the riders, identified as a 35-year-old engineering lecturer, revealed his background in an interview. He clarified that he did not endorse the Ayatollah but was present as a peacemaker. The man, who is British-born and of Pakistani heritage, claimed ownership of both horses—Khyber and Lionheart—and stables them 20 miles beyond the city limits. His stated purpose: to provide a visual barrier between the groups and prevent escalation.

Despite the police’s reluctance to intervene, the riders remained undeterred. They were seen navigating the crowd, their movements sparking debate about their role. Social media amplified the controversy, with questions circulating about their origins, whether they had chased protesters through the streets, and if they were part of an informal “sharia police” unit monitoring Islamic conduct.

Some protesters grew frustrated, demanding action against the horsemen. “They should be being nicked, they’ve just been chasing people on horses. Why aren’t they being nicked?” one man remarked in footage. The officer responded that removing someone from a horse was impractical, to which the protester retorted: “If they had a Union Jack on, they’d be off the horse.” Nevertheless, the police managed to maintain order, preventing further clashes and ensuring the night concluded without arrests.

The vigil, organized by the Muslim Community, was advertised by the Friends of the Manchester Islamic Centre. Attendees waved flags representing Iran and Palestine, holding images of the Ayatollah as they gathered to commemorate his legacy. The unexpected arrival of the horsemen, however, became the focal point of the evening, blending tradition with modern urban dynamics.