Westminster terror suspect Khalid Ali had skills to make explosives, court told

A man arrested with three knives by armed police in Westminster had the skills to create explosives, a court has heard.

Khalid Ali, 28, was detained at the Parliament Street junction in April last year, a month after Khalid Masood killed five people in the Westminster Bridge attack.

Ali is currently on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of preparing acts of terrorism.

He planned an attack in the UK after spending five years making bombs with the Taliban in Afghanistan, the jury heard.

The defendant was "sufficient and knowledgeable in the manufacture and use of explosives," a military explosives expert, named only as Soldier A, told the court.

After reviewing Ali's police interviews, Soldier A - a serving British soldier - made a report.

Giving evidence from behind a screen, he told the court: "He definitely knew more than you would expect someone who was non-military or a non-expert.

"Ali is sufficient and knowledgeable in the manufacture and use of explosives."

He concluded: "The level of knowledge he displayed strongly suggests that he had a practical knowledge and specific training of the manufacture and use of IEDs.

"I think it is unlikely that this level of knowledge could have been gleaned from peripheral cursory observation."

Ali, of Edmonton, north London, denies two charges of possessing explosives with intent abroad in 2012 and one charge of preparing terrorist acts in Britain.

He said he had not intended to kill anybody and that the knives were for his "protection".

He carried out "hostile reconnaissance" around Downing Street, New Scotland Yard, the Ministry of Defence, the MI6 building and the Cenotaph on 18 March and 22 April last year, the court was told.

The prosecution alleges Ali was planning to attack MPs, police and members of the armed forces.

On Thursday, footage of Ali's arrest was played to the court, showing him on the pavement surrounded by armed officers.

Ali is seen on the ground as an officer asks him if he has anything on him that would cause harm.

The defendant replies: "You'll see."

The hearing was adjourned to Monday.