NHS terror suspect had 'pressure cooker bomb full of gunpowder' outside hospital
A man suspected of terrorism had a pressure cooker bomb filled with gunpowder outside a hospital, a court heard.
Mohammed Farooq, 27, was caught with a bomb containing 13kg of explosives outside a maternity ward in Leeds on January 20.
The accused terrorist also had an imitation pistol when he was found at St James' Hospital by a student nurse, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.
Farooq was also allegedly planning to target an RAF base, the court heard.
Prosecutor Mark Luckett said: "Police officers attended the scene, and the defendant was detained.
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"He told officers that he had a bomb. When officers looked inside his bag, they found a pressure cooker with wires attached.
Patients and staff were evacuated from some parts of the building (PA)"The defendant told officers that the pressure cooker was filled with gunpowder."
A search of Farooq's mobile phone devices revealed his interest in radical Islam and Jihad and he had been viewing material since 2020, the court heard.
Appearing in court today via a video link Farooq, wearing a grey prison tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
Farooq was caught with a bomb containing 13kg of explosives (PA)Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: "I formally send your case to the Central Criminal Court.
"There is a realistic prospect of a custodial sentence. It is inevitable that if you are convicted it will be a lengthy custodial sentence."
At the time of the incident last week, patients and staff were evacuated from some parts of the hospital.
Farooq was arrested by counter-terrorism officers (LeedsLive/MEN)Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: "These enquiries have confirmed our initial assessment that this was an isolated incident.
"We are satisfied that there is currently no evidence of an increased risk to the public, within our communities or the UK hospital estate, in connection with this investigation."
Det Chf Supt Dunkerley says the UK terrorism threat level remains "substantial" and has not changed in light of the scare at the Leeds hospital.
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A member of the bomb disposal unit works at the scene at St James's Hospital (PA)
A bomb disposal unit at St James's Hospital, Leeds (PA)He added, however, that "history has shown us we can’t afford to be complacent".
"Public vigilance is invaluable in supporting the efforts of Counter Terrorism Policing and its partners to protect our communities from harm," he said.
Farooq, of Hetton Road, Leeds, is charged with one count of intention of committing acts of terrorism, one count of possession of an explosive substance and one count of possession of an imitation firearm.
He will reappear at Old Bailey for a plea trial and preparation hearing on February 3.
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