An alleged supporter of the Islamic State terror group has appeared in court accused of a plot to bomb St Paul’s Cathedral and a hotel.

Safiyya Amira Shaikh, 36, from Hayes, Middlesex, is accused of the preparation of terrorist acts and dissemination of terrorist publications.

It is alleged that Shaikh made contact with someone who could prepare explosives and went on a reconnaissance trip to scope out the historic site and a hotel as locations to plant bombs.

Prosecutors also claim that between 19 August and 10 October this year, she prepared the words of a pledge of allegiance to the group, also known as Isis or Daesh.

It is alleged that she shared terrorist documents via groups using the Telegram messaging app and other channels.

She appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court in London on Wednesday and is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on 1 November.