Rangzieb Ahmed, 33, was found guilty by a jury at Manchester Crown Court of belonging to the group and of leading a three-man terrorist cell engaged in plotting an attack, possibly overseas.

His co-defendant, Habib Ahmed, 29, who is no relation, was also found guilty of belonging to al-Qaeda. The two will be sentenced tomorrow.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter said: “Rangzieb Ahmed is a very dangerous man. He consorts with senior terrorist figures and has devoted his life to creating and working with terrorist networks.