`Bomb-maker` denies Westminster knife terror plot allegation

A terror suspect accused of planning a knife attack in Westminster as well as possessing explosives in Afghanistan five years ago is set for trial later this year. Alleged bomb maker Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali was arrested by armed officers just yards from Downing Street on April 27. It is also claimed he was carrying three knives when he was detained. Mr Omar Ali denied preparing a terrorist attack by buying knives and travelling to London when he appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Belmarsh on Tuesday (September 26). The 27-year-old`s two charges of making or possessing explosives reportedly stem from the recovery by US forces of two caches of improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan in 2012. The defendant, who represented himself in court, is a UK national who was born abroad but grew up in north London. At an earlier hearing in May, Mr Omar Ali declined to enter pleas to any of the charges – telling chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot: “I don`t recognise the charges.” Formal not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf. At Tuesday’s hearing he was remanded in custody until next month, with a trial date set for November 6.