A teenage terror suspect declared he was "British, white" when asked to confirm his nationality in court over allegations he built an explosive device.

The 15-year-old boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons - appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday accused of having made a pair of "carbon dioxide canisters, drilled and clipped together".

The court heard how the allegation was in violation of section four of the Explosives Act 1883, with its construction having given rise "to a reasonable suspicion that you were not making it for a lawful object".

It is claimed he built it at some point between 1 May and 10 August this year.

The youngster - from Bradford - has also been charged under section 58 of the Terrorism Act with possessing a document or record for the purposes of terrorism, in this case a copy of "Anarchist's Corner" on his computer.


It was discovered upon his arrest by counter-terror police on 10 August.

The boy appeared in court dressed in a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth - to which he answered "correct" - and then his nationality.

Mr Justice Haddon-Cave told him he faces a two-week trial at Leeds Crown Court on 18 February.

He has been remanded in custody until then and will next appear for a plea hearing at the same court on 7 January.