Whitehall knife accused denies terrorism and explosives charges

An alleged terrorist accused of carrying knives near Downing Street has pleaded not guilty to three charges.

Khalid Ali, 27, from Edmonton, north London, was detained by police in Whitehall in April after he was allegedly found to be in possession of three blades.

He is charged with preparation for a terrorist act on or before 27 April, as well as two counts of making or having explosives, related to activity in Afghanistan in 2012.

The defendant, who was not represented by a lawyer, appeared before an Old Bailey judge, Nicholas Hilliard QC, via videolink from Belmarsh prison. He formally entered not guilty pleas to the charges against him.

He faces a three-week trial at the Old Bailey starting on 6 November.