Leytonstone attack suspect Muhaydin Mire appears in court on attempted murder charge

The 29-year-old stands accused of attacking London Underground passengers on Saturday night

Image of the accused, 29-year-old Muhaydin Mire

The first pictures have emerged of the man accused of attacking Tube passengers in Leytonstone on Saturday night.

Suspect Muhaydin Mire, 29. appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday morning accused of the attempted murder of a 56-year-old man, referred to in court only as Male A.

The attack on Saturday night sent terror fears rippling around the capital, with witnesses reporting the attacker shouted "this is for Syria" and "all your blood will be spilled".

The man allegedly punched his victim to the ground and repeatedly kicked him before cutting a 12 centimetre (five inch) wound in his neck. The victim was in surgery for five hours after the attack.

The attacker also allegedly brandished his knife at other members of the public, aiming it at the throat of at least two of them.

He was Tasered three times by police officers before being arrested.

As the man was arrested, a passer-by was heard telling him “You ain’t no Muslim, bruv” - a rallying call which was picked up across social media throughout Sunday.

Following the attack, extra uniformed and undercover police, backed by a growing force of armed officers, have been drafted in to protect London’s underground network.

And the incident has raised serious questions about how London would respond to a large-scale terror attack.

One former commander said it was alarming that armed officers were not at the scene on Saturday.

John O'Connor, a former commander of London's elite police unit, the Flying Squad, said: “It is alarming. We should have thought about this years ago.

"We still rely on the first people on the scene having to deal with a situation, whoever they are, whether a uniform officer or firearms officer.”

Mire, who wore a light grey t-shirt and tracksuit trousers, spoke on Monday only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was remanded in custody until Friday when he will appear at the Old Bailey.