Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali: man charged with preparing terrorist knife attack near Parliament

He was detained with large knives found in his backpack

Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali (EPA)

A 27-year-old man who was arrested while carrying knives near Parliament has been charged with preparing terrorist acts.

Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali was charged with preparation of terrorist acts and unlawful possession of explosive substances.

Mr Ali was taken into custody by counter-terrorism officers on 27 April after he was spotted near Whitehall and Downing Street.

The Metropolitan Police said he faces two charges of illegal explosive possession related to activity in Afghanistan in 2012 and one charge of preparing terrorist acts "on or before" 27 April.

He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on 10 May.

A Met Police statement said: "A man arrested in Whitehall on April 27 has been charged with three offences.

"He has been charged with, count one preparation of terrorists acts contrary to section 5 Terrorism Act 2006.

"On or before 27 April 2017 with the intention of committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention."

"Count 2 and 3 under section 3 Explosive Substance Act 1883: On or before 28 January 2012 unlawfully and maliciously made or had in his possession or under his control a quantity of explosive substances with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable any other person to do so.

"On or before 6 July 2012 unlawfully and maliciously made or had in his possession or under his control a quantity of explosive substances with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable any other person to do so.

"Counts 2 and 3 relate to activity in Afghanistan in 2012."

Agencies contributed to this report