Woman, 19, and man, 18, appear in court accused of preparing terrorism acts

Two teenagers have appeared in court accused of discussing carrying out an act of terrorism.

Rex Clark, 18, and Sofija Vinogradova, 19, are alleged to have started talking on a Telegram group chat where they demonstrated an "extreme right-wing mindset", Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Both defendants have been charged with preparation of terrorist acts, the Metropolitan Police said.

Vinogradova, from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is also charged with two counts of collection of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

The prosecution claims the pair discussed him carrying out an act of terrorism and also discussed testing petrol bombs.

It alleged any plans the defendants had were "not fully formed" and were identified as being at an early stage.

Vinogradova was arrested on 4 August on suspicion of possession of a firearm and collection of information likely to be of use to a terrorist.

After a search of a property in Cheshunt, she was released on bail.

She was arrested again on 10 August at the same address and Clark, from Ilford, east London, was also arrested.

Read more from Sky News:
Where is escaped prisoner 'The Fly'?
Trump had election in bag, until he didn't - analysis

The teenagers appeared in court on Friday wearing grey tracksuits and spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.

They were remanded into custody to next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey on 13 September.

The Met Police said the charges were not related to the disorder seen across the country after the Southport stabbings.