Student In Court On Terror Charges

A student will appear in court today charged with terrorism offences.

Andrew Ibrahim, 19, of Comb Paddock, Westbury-on-Trym was arrested on 17 April.

Controlled explosions were carried out at his home earlier this month.

Mr Ibrahim who will appear before the City of Westminster Magistrates Court has been charged with engaging in conduct with intent to commit acts of terrorism and possession of substances and articles for terrorist purposes.

Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Roberts said: "Significant amounts of material including numerous computers and associated media has been recovered together with what we believe to be bomb-making components likely to cause harm.

"Over the past two weeks over 100 officers have been working on the enquiry with additional specialist support from our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police Service."

Sue Hemming Head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division said: "The Counter Terrorism Division was briefed on this operation shortly before the arrest took place.

"A senior CPS lawyer has been working closely with the Avon and Somerset Police in Bristol since we were briefed.

"We have been carefully examining and assessing the evidence against Ibrahim in order to come to a charging decision at the earliest opportunity and have now decided that there is sufficient evidence and authorised three charges," she said.

He is accused of possessing an explosive substance, hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD), with intent between January 1 and April 18.

Ibrahim faces a second charge of intending to commit terrorism in that he intended to construct and detonate an improvised explosive device.

He is also charged with possession of a CD, two home-made vests, ball-bearings and air gun pellets while intending to use them for terrorism.

The final charge also accuses him of possessing nails and screws, wired circuitry, batteries and electric bulb filaments for terrorism.

Avon and Somerset Police issued a statement from Mr Ibrahim's family which said that they were "shocked and deeply distressed" by the revelations and asked that the media respect their privacy at this "extremely difficult time".

If anyone has information they believe could help with this enquiry they are asked to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

(DS)