Student nurse ‘jihadi’ had ‘pressure cooker bomb’ for ‘terror blast on RAF base’ when arrested at Leeds hospital
A STUDENT nurse was found with a pressure cooker bomb at a hospital he worked at after plotting to blow up an RAF base, a court heard.
Mohammad Farooq, 27, was arrested after bomb squad and Army specialists swooped on St James’s Hospital in Leeds last Friday.
Bomb disposal experts were scrambled to a Leeds hospital[/caption]Wards on the Gledhow maternity unit were evacuated and visitors blocked from entering while investigations were carried out.
Farooq appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today charged with terror offences.
The court was told he had been plotting a “lone wolf” terror attack on an RAF base in Yorkshire when he was found with the explosive at the hospital.
Farooq had allegedly been inspired by radical Islam when he carried out “hostile reconnaissance” of the base.
He is accused of making a viable bomb made using a pressure cooker.
The student nurse had been due to work a shift at the hospital when he was found with the explosive, it was said.
Farqooq was also allegedly in possession of an imitation firearm – a Gediz 9mm P.A.K semi-automatic pistol.
He faces charges of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, possessing an imitation firearm and keeping an explosive with intent to endanger life or property.
Farqooq was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey next Friday.
The horror unfolded at around 5am last Friday as bomb disposal units were scrambled to the hospital.
Patients and staff were told to keep away from windows before some were evacuated.
The unit is where the majority of the maternity ward is held – including the delivery suite – as well as some respiratory and bereavement services.
Farooq was seized by officers, who allegedly found an improvised explosive in a nearby car.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said inquiries have confirmed it 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,” he said.
“Despite this, the UK threat level remains at ‘substantial’, and 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.
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the public during this investigation. We’d particularly like to thank the staff and patients at St James’s Hospital for their patience and cooperation throughout the disruption last Friday.”
Parts of the hospital were evacuated while investigations were carried out[/caption] Farooq has been charged with terror offences[/caption]