Terror suspect ‘paid for gladiator sword, bullet proof vest and balaclava’ and allegedly endorsed Reading-style knife rampage and plotted attack on mosque leader
- Sahayb Aweys Munye Abu, 27, alleged to have had ‘pro-terrorist conversation’
- Prosecutors allege he spoke of attack on imam of a mosque in online discussion
- He was arrested as part of anti-terror raids in London and Leicestershire in July
A terror suspect who endorsed a ‘Reading-style knife rampage’ paid for a gladiator sword, a bullet proof vest and a balaclava as part of a planned attack on a mosque leader, prosecutors have alleged today.
Sahayb Aweys Munye Abu, 27, is alleged to have engaged in ‘pro-terrorist conversation’ online in which he discussed an attack on a Shia Imam of a mosque in the UK, say prosecutors.
He was arrested by officers from the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command during the raids in London and Leicestershire on July 9.
Today he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on terrorism charges.
He has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. There was no indication of plea at the hearing.
Sahayb Aweys Munye Abu, 27, was arrested by officers from the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command during the raids in London and Leicestershire on July 9. Pictured: One of the raids in London
Appearing via video link, he only spoke to confirm his name and his mother’s address in Dagenham.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram said: ‘The allegation is before July 9 you attempted to purchase items for use in terrorist acts with the intention of committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct or preparation for giving effect to your intention. That is an indictable offence.’
Prosecutor Lee Ingham requested the matter be sent to the Central Criminal Court for the next hearing on 14 August.
Rizvan Anmar, defending, said: ‘There is no bail application.’
The district judge: ‘I send your case to the Central Criminal Court. You will appear on 14 August and you’ll remain in custody.’
The arrest was made after armed police stormed an east London property with a chainsaw – as four men were arrested for plotting a terror attack.
Dramatic video shows a squad of gun-toting officers bursting into a house on Ilfracombe Gardens in Goodmayes, Redbridge, shortly before a man is dragged out and handcuffed.
The man is led away by two officers wearing armoured vests, while another is seen watching the house through the scope of what appears to be a mounted sniper.
Separate video from a neighbouring property near Green Lane by Goodmayes Park also shows armed police descending on a block of flats.
Scotland Yard said the heavy police operation in Goodmayes related to an ongoing anti-terror investigation which saw four people arrested in both the capital and Leicestershire.
Witnesses described hearing gunshots, but the Metropolitan Police said no shots were fired.