Terror suspects remanded

Four men charged with receiving training in the making of firearms and explosives have been remanded in custody after appearing in court.

Arshad Farid, 26, Usman Choudhary, 23, Umar Ijaz, 24, and 26-year-old Madasser Al Hussan made their second appearance at Halesowen Magistrates Court, West Midlands, accused of offences under the Terrorism Act.

Mr Farid, Mr Choudhary and Mr Ijaz were also accused of receiving training in the making of chemical and biological weapons.

Mr Choudhary, of Terry Street, Dudley, West Midlands, faces 12 charges, including an allegation of having information likely to be useful to terrorism.

Bail refused

Mr Ijaz, of Caroline Street, Dudley, is also alleged to have committed 12 offences under the anti-terror legislation.

His application for bail was refused.

Mr Farid, a computer worker of Selbourne Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, is accused of a total of six offences, including one of possessing manuals, videos and audio tapes for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

Mr Al Hussan, of Teddington Grove, Perry Barr, Birmingham, is charged with four offences, including one count of receiving training and another of failing to disclose information that could have assisted the police.

None of Mr Choudhary, Mr Farid or Mr Al Hussan applied for bail.

All four men were remanded in custody on Monday until a committal hearing on 10 February, with an interim hearing scheduled for 12 January.

The suspects were arrested on 2 December under the Terrorism Act 2000.