Naa'imur Zakariyah Rahman has denied a charge that he plotted an attack on Downing Street to assassinate Theresa May

An alleged Islamic State fanatic has denied plotting to assassinate Theresa May in an attack on Downing Street.

Naa'imur Rahman, 20, planned to detonate an explosion at the security gates of Number 10 before stabbing the Prime Minister on 28 November, it is alleged.

It is alleged he carried out reconnaissance of the target location, recorded a pledge of allegiance, and purchased a rucksack.

According to prosecutors, 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'.

The defendant, of Finchley, north London, also allegedly assisted Mohammad Aqib Imran, 22, in his terrorism plans.

On or before November 28, Rahman recorded and sent to Imran 'a sponsorship video in order for him to be accepted by Islamic State', the charge says.

Mrs May with her husband Philip yesterday. The alleged plot is suspected to have involved

Imran, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, allegedly tried to join ISIS, and is charged with preparing acts of terrorism.

His charge alleges that he saved money to pay for a fake passport and travel to Libya, and sent two photos of his passport data to secure a fake passport.

Rahman and Imran were arrested in raids by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism command in London and Birmingham.

Mohammed Aqib Imran is charged with planning to join ISIS

The pair appeared at the Old Bailey before Mr Justice Haddon-Cave via video-link from Belmarsh Prison.

They spoke only to confirm their identities and enter not-guilty pleas.

They were remanded in custody ahead of their trial at the Old Bailey on June 18.

Long-haired Rahman wore a grey sweatshirt, black trousers and plimsolls.

He sat cross-legged on a chair next to his co-defendant, who has long curly hair and a beard and wore a pink sweatshirt and grey trousers.