Leeds: Student nurse accused of ‘planning attack on RAF base’

A student nurse has appeared in court after being accused of planning a terrorist attack on an RAF base in Yorkshire.

Mohammad Farooq, 27, was allegedly inspired by radical Islam and jihad when he conducted “enemy reconnaissance” at the base on January 10 and 18, according to online research.

Prosecutors say he chose the target because he was encouraged online to stage a “lone wolf” attack on the site.

Farooq is said to have built a working bomb consisting of a pressure cooker, 30 pounds of a homemade low-explosive mixture, and a piece of pyrotechnic fuse.

He was arrested in the early hours of last Friday outside the maternity ward at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, where he was supposed to be working a shift.

Farooq reportedly told a man he “would like to kill everyone” before showing him a gun, then told police officers he had a bomb.

His actions in the hospital are said not to have been motivated by terrorism, but out of resentment towards another employee.

When Farooq appeared in court on Friday, he spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth but was not asked to enter pleas on the three charges he faces.

Farooq is accused of engaging in conduct with intent to commit acts of terrorism between July 12 and last year and January 20.

Prosecutor Mark Luckett said he allegedly had instructions on how to assemble a home-made explosive device, bought equipment and made the bomb, researched the RAF base online and took part in reconnaissance of the alleged target.

He is also charged with possession of an explosive substance and faces another charge of possession of a counterfeit firearm: a Gediz 9mm PAK semi-automatic pistol; with the intention of inciting fear of violence on the same day.

No bail was requested and Chief Justice Paul Goldspring remanded him before his next appearance at the Old Bailey next Friday.

Following Farooq’s indictment, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of counter-terrorism in the North East, said: “We understand that following last week’s arrest and the resulting charges, people may have concerns.

“For counterterrorism and its partners, public safety remains our priority at all times and a full and thorough investigation has led to the charges brought today.

‘These inquiries have confirmed our initial assessment that this was an isolated case.’

“We are grateful for the support we have received from the public during this investigation. We would especially like to thank the staff and patients at St James’s Hospital for their patience and cooperation during last Friday’s disruption.’

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