Two in court on chemicals charge

The two men are accused under anti-terrorism legislation

Two men have appeared at the Old Bailey accused of sending bottles of caustic soda before the recent local elections.

Wayne Cook, 45, and Steven Robinson, 42, allegedly sent sodium hydroxide bottles to a journalist in Glasgow and a councillor in Blackburn, Lancashire.

The men are accused under anti-terror legislation of actions "designed to influence the government or to intimidate a section of the public".

The pair, of Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, were remanded in custody.

The charges were brought under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, and the men will appear at hearing on 26 October.

The judge, Mr Justice Calvert-Smith, transferred the case to Manchester Crown Court.