Newcastle man in court on terror charge Published duration 15 December 2018

image caption Fatah Mohammed Abdullah appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court

A man has appeared in court to deny planning an act of terrorism in the UK.

Fatah Mohammed Abdullah, 33, is alleged to have searched online for components, including a pressure cooker, to make an explosive.

He is also said to have bought "explosive pre-cursors" including chemicals, more than 8,000 matches and a number of fuses.

The Iranian national was arrested in the Arthur's Hill area of Newcastle on Tuesday.

He was remanded in custody after a brief appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court and will appear at the Old Bailey on 14 January.

The court heard Mr Abdullah came to the UK from Iran in 2005 and was granted leave to remain in 2010.

image caption Cordons were put in place around several streets in the West End of Newcastle at the time of Mr Abdullah's arrest

Mr Adbullah, who represented himself, sat with his hands clasped behind his neck for most of the hearing.

Asked if there was anything he wanted to say, he replied: "I just want to go home."

The defendant faces one count of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, between 9 April and 11 December.

Police said he was was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation by the North East Counter Terrorism Unit.