Westfield terror plot accused had kitchen knife stashed in car, court told

A religious teacher had a large kitchen knife stashed in his car when he was arrested for plotting Islamic State-inspired attacks on London, a court has heard.

Umar Haque, 25, had allegedly resolved to strike landmarks including Big Ben and Westfield shopping centre in 2016 and early 2017, and hoped to inspire others to join in.

The Old Bailey has heard how he groomed and trained youngsters for terrorism at the Ripple Road mosque in Barking, east London, while swearing them to secrecy.

Haque also recruited Abuthaher Mamun, 19, Muhammad Abid, 27, and Nadeem Patel, 26, to help with his plans through the mosque, the court has heard.

A picture of Umar Haque's address, which was shown to the court today (Metropolitan Police/PA)
A picture of Umar Haque's address, which was shown to the court today (Metropolitan Police/PA)

When police swooped to arrest Haque in May last year, they searched his home in Windsor Road, Forest Gate, east London and car parked nearby.

Jurors were shown pictures of a sharp-tipped kitchen knife which had been wrapped in newspaper.

They were told it had been hidden behind the central console in the passenger foot well of Haque's Ford Focus.

Prosecutor Mark Heywood QC told the court that officers also recovered YouTube videos on how to make explosives from Haque's devices.

Handout photo of a knife which was shown to the court (Metropolitan Police/PA)
Handout photo of a knife which was shown to the court (Metropolitan Police/PA)

In one of the videos played to the jury, an American man showed how to make explosive powder from everyday items before shooting at it with a rifle, and shouting: "Now that's what I call an explosion."

Islamic State propaganda was retrieved during the search of Haque's computer and memory sticks, the court heard.

An orange notebook containing handwritten notes was shown to the jury.

The first page had a handwritten 21-point list with references to the "benefits of martyrdom", the court heard.

Handout photo of a knife in tissue which was shown to the court (Metropolitan Police/PA)
Handout photo of a knife in tissue which was shown to the court (Metropolitan Police/PA)

On the next page was a four-point list which included "purchase silah (arms or weapons), "purchase a van" and "development recruitment pack - USBs", jurors heard.

Haque has already admitted having records likely to be useful to a terrorist and a further charge of dissemination of a terrorist publication.

He and Mamun are accused of preparing acts of terrorism between March 25 and May 18 2017.

Haque is further charged with preparing terrorist acts by leading exercises in physical training and "role play" with children and dissemination of terrorist publications.

Handout photo of Umar Haque's Ford Focus which was shown to the court (Metropolitan Police/PA)
Handout photo of Umar Haque's Ford Focus which was shown to the court (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Abid is accused of having information about Haque's plans and Patel is charged with plotting with Haque to possess a firearm or imitation firearm.

The defendants, who all lived in east London, have denied these charges.

Patel has admitted possessing a prohibited weapon.

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