Three men appear in court over charges of terrorism

Three men have been charged with planning an attack on an Islamic education centre with a gun made using a 3D printer.

Brogan Stewart and Marco Pitzettu, both 24, along with Christopher Ringrose, 33, appeared in court via video link.

No pleas were indicated and they were remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on 15th of March. The men were arrested on 20th of February and are jointly charged with preparing an act of terrorism.

Their homes were searched during what was described by Counter Terrorism Policing North East as a “pre-planned, intelligence-led” operation.

It is alleged that Mr Stewart, from Leeds, Mr Pitzettu, from Derby, and Mr Ringrose, from Cannock, Staffordshire, prepared for an attack by acquiring instructions on making a 3D-printed firearm.

It is alleged they manufactured an FGC-9 semi-automatic firearm and identified potential targets for attack.

Prosecutor Mark Luckett told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that, earlier this month, the defendants discussed a plan to attack an Islamic Education Centre in Leeds.

It is understood that Mr Stewart is a former military cadet. A 46-year-old man from Leicester was also arrested as part of the investigation and was released without charge.