Nine men deny plotting terror attacks in London

Nine men appeared in court yesterday to deny plotting terror attacks on major landmarks in London.

The gang's alleged targets are understood to have included the Houses of Parliament, the Stock Exchange and the US embassy, as well as religious and political figures.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 29 and from Cardiff, London and Stoke-on-Trent, were arrested after raids by counter-terrorism officers on 21 December last year.

Yesterday, they pleaded not guilty to conspiring to cause explosions likely to endanger life or damage property, and denied claims that they were preparing for acts of terrorism between the same dates. They are to stand trial in January.

The men agreed targets, discussed materials and methods, carried out reconnaissance work, attended operational meetings and downloaded and researched files "containing practical instructions for a terrorist attack", it was alleged at Woolwich Crown Court in south-east London.

Five of the men are also accused of possessing a document "containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing for an act of terrorism".