A Newcastle man has appeared in court accused of buying a knife and chemicals in preparation for a terrorist attack in the UK.

Fatah Mohammed Abdullah, from Arthur’s Hill, was accompanied by three police officers in the dock at Westminster magistrates court in London on Saturday.

The 33-year-old Iranian is alleged to have bought a knife, balaclava and “explosive precursors” including chemicals, more than 8,000 matches and a number of fuses.

He is also alleged to have searched online for components, including a pressure cooker, to make an explosive.

Adbullah, who represented himself, sat with his hands clasped behind his neck for most of the hearing. He faces one count of engaging, between 9 April and 11 December, in the preparation of an act of terrorism, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Asked if there was anything he wanted to say, Abdullah replied: “I just want to go home.”He was arrested in Newcastle on Tuesday during an intelligence-led operation planned as part of an ongoing investigation by the counter-terrorism unit.

The court heard he had come to the UK from Iran in 2005 and was granted leave to remain in 2010. The district judge Kwame Inyundo remanded him in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 14 January.