Buckingham Palace attack: Uber driver accused of attacking police officers with sword appears in court

Mr Chowdhury allegedly reached for a large sword and shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ several times: PA
Mr Chowdhury allegedly reached for a large sword and shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ several times: PA

An Uber driver charged with attacking police officers with a sword outside Buckingham Palace has appeared in court.

Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, 26, spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood proceedings at the Central Criminal Court.

He appeared at the preliminary hearing via video link from Belmarsh Prison, wearing a blue jumper and brown trousers.

Mr Chowdhury has been charged with one count of “engaging in conduct in preparation for giving effect to his intention to commit an act of terrorism” in the incident on 25 August.

He is accused of being behind the wheel of a car that drove towards a police van in a protected area next to the Queen Victoria Memorial, in Constitution Hill.

After officers approached the vehicle, the driver allegedly reached for a large sword and shouted “Allahu Akbar” several times.

Three officers were injured in the struggle, when the suspect was subdued using CS spray.

Justice Holroyde remanded Mr Chowdhury, of Kirkwood Road in Luton, in custody to appear again at the Old Bailey early next year.