Andrew Ibrahim, 19, appeared in court yesterday on terrorism charges after police found bomb-making equipment inside his flat – including a peroxide-based explosive similar to that used in the July 7 London bombings.
Ibrahim faces charges of possessing explosive substances and articles for terrorist purposes as well as an intent to commit terrorism. He is currently being held without bail until another hearing at the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court, May 23.
Ibrahim was arrested earlier this month after police raided his flat, evacuating neighbours and carrying out three controlled explosions. Two homemade vests, air gun pellets, wires, nails and batteries were also reportedly found in Ibrahim's apartment in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol.
It is believed Ibrahim recently converted to Islam and was arrested after a covert investigation prompted by an intelligence tip-off from within Bristol’s Muslim community.
In a statement his family said: "We have been shocked and deeply distressed by the events of the past fortnight.”
This is good news - that the tip off came from within the Muslim community.