Terror suspect accused of plot to assassinate Prime Minister
Man denies planning bomb and knife attack on Downing Street after ‘pledging allegiance to Isil’
A TERROR suspect accused of plotting to murder the Prime Minister bought items to build a suicide vest before carrying out reconnaissance in Whitehall, a court has heard.
Naa’imur Rahman, denied planning to target Theresa May in a bomb and knife attack, when he appeared at the Old Bailey via video link yesterday.
The 20-year-old was allegedly planning to launch a bomb attack on the gates of Downing Street before attempting to stab Mrs May during the chaos that would ensue.
Rahman is accused of buying a rucksack and jacket with the intention of fitting them with improvised explosive devices and then launching an attack at the heart of Westminster.
He allegedly carried out reconnaissance of his target and also recorded a pledge of allegiance to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) before he was arrested in November last year.
According to the charge, he delivered the rucksack and jacket to be fitted with an improvised explosive device, and collected it “with a view to committing attacks against persons in the UK”.
Yesterday, he appeared alongside Mohammad Aqib Imran, 22, who is accused of trying to join Isil in Libya. Imran planned to join the terror group in Libya after saving up £3,600 and obtaining a fake passport to leave the UK, it is alleged.
He was also allegedly caught with a popular terrorist manual called How to Survive in the West: A Mujahid Guide.
Both men were arrested in raids by the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism command in London and Birmingham.
Rahman is charged with one count of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, and one count of engaging in conduct in assisting the preparation of terrorist acts. Imran is charged with one count of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.
Both men entered not guilty pleas to the charges, which are dated on or before Nov 28 last year.
Rahman wore a grey crew-neck jumper and dark tracksuit trousers, and Imran wore a maroon jumper and grey tracksuit bottoms.
Rahman gave his nationality as Bangladeshi-british but otherwise only spoke to confirm his name and enter his plea. A trial is due to take place at the Old Bailey on June 18, which is expected to last four to five weeks.
Mr Justice Haddon-cave remanded Rahman, of North Finchley, north London, and Imran, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, into custody.