19-year-old charged with planning terror attack in London

A teenager charged with preparing acts of terrorism planned to carry out a bombing in a busy area of London, British prosecutors said on Tuesday.

A teenager charged with preparing acts of terrorism planned to carry out a bombing in a busy area of London, British prosecutors said on Tuesday.

Armed police patrol as part of a security operation in west London. London's police force is putting more armed officers on the streets — a visible response to attacks by IS-inspired groups in Europe. (AP File Photo)

Haroon Ali-Syed, 19, is accused of engaging in “preparation” of terrorist acts between April and September. He was arrested at his home in west London on Thursday and charged on Tuesday.

During a hearing at Westminster magistrates court, prosecutors said Ali-Syed attempted to obtain weapons online, including an explosive device, with a view to launching an assault on a busy area of the British capital.

The teenager spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the brief court hearing. District Judge Elizabeth Roscoe ordered him detained until his next court appearance on Monday.

Two other men, aged 19 and 20, detained at the same time have been released on bail.

Police said the arrests were part of an “intelligence-led investigation” by counterterrorism officers.