Two men in court accused of UK terror plot
Two men have appeared in court accused of preparing to build a bomb in the lead up to Christmas for an attack in the UK.
Chip shop owner Andy Sami Star, 31, from Chesterfield, and Farhad Salah, 22, from Sheffield, are charged with preparing an act of terrorism.
The pair, who appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court by video link from Leeds, were remanded in custody.
Mr Star's solicitor said there was no evidence he was involved in terrorism.
He indicated that his client would plead not guilty.
Thomas Halpin, prosecuting, told the hearing the Crown alleged that the pair had been in the early stages of a plot at the time of their arrests.
The pair were among four people arrested on 19 December by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North East following an intelligence-led operation.
A 36-year-old man from Burngreave, Sheffield, remains in police custody for questioning.