Heathrow Airport was among landmarks targeted by a British man who allegedly planned to carry out acts of terrorism.
In a trial at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Mark Heywood QC said Umar Ahmed Haque, 25, had also targeted Transport for London, the Queen’s Guard, the courts, Westfield shopping centres, banks in the City of London, the Houses of Parliament, and foreign embassies.
He said Haque, who denies preparing acts of terrorism, was fascinated by the ‘warped and extreme ideology’ of the Islamic State group. After being arrested, he allegedly told police he was ‘their loyal follower’.
The religious teacher from east London is on trial alongside three other men aged between 19 and 27.
The court heard that Haque allegedly enlisted the help of others at his local mosque.
He is accused of ‘grooming’ children with role play and extremist videos.
Abuthaher Mamun, 19, is accused of assisting him and Muhammad Abid, 27, is charged with failing to tell the authorities about the alleged plans.
Nadeem Patel, 26, denies conspiring with Haque to possess a firearm or imitation firearm with the intention of causing fear of violence.
