Teenager, 19, accused of plotting nail bomb terror attacks at London landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Oxford Street appears before an Old Bailey judge

From the Daily Mail and the Sun

A teenager accused of planning nail bomb attacks on famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace appeared at the Old Bailey today.

Haroon Syed, 19, allegedly researched potential targets including the Queen’s London residence and Oxford Street in London’s West End. The 19-year-old allegedly intended to strike at a concert by Sir Elton in London’s Hyde Park on the anniversary of 9/11.

Police believe he originally planned to be a suicide bomber, and wanted to buy machine guns or pistols to carry out a “lone wolf” killing spree. The prosecutor said: “What started out as professed intent to become a suicide bomber crystallised into a plan to kill as many ‘Kuffar’ (unbelievers) as possible with a nail bomb.”

Syed allegedly made a number of applications for loans worth £8,000 to finance the attack but all were declined.

He was arrested on 9 September following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Syed appeared in court today via video link dressed in a grey prison tracksuit.

Listing his case for a three week trial beginning on 13 March, Mr Justice Saunders said: ‘Mr Syed, I have done my utmost to make sure this comes to court at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime you are remanded in custody’.

Syed, of Hounslow, west London, is charged with the intention of committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention.

He is due back in court on 13 January for a pleas and case management hearing.