Far-right extremists ‘encouraged copycat terror attacks’ after Christchurch mosque shootings

Defendants were allegedly part of ‘Christian White Militia’ WhatsApp group

The pair appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday (PA)

A pair of alleged far-right extremists have denied encouraging copycat terror attacks in the wake of the Christchurch shootings in New Zealand which left 51 people dead.

Morgan Seales, 20, and Gabriele Longo, 26, are set to go on trial next month accused of terror offences.

The pair were allegedly part of a WhatsApp group called "Christian White Militia" and published statements encouraging terrorism in March.

The messages were posted in the days following a terror attack at two mosques in New Zealand that claimed the lives of 51 Muslim worshippers.

Prime suspect Brenton Tarrant, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges in relation to that case, had allegedly posted a manifesto online espousing a far-right conspiracy theory that white people were being “replaced” in western nations including Britain.

Mr Longo, of Crawley, is charged with one count of encouraging terrorism, three of disseminating terrorist publications and four of collecting information useful to a terrorist.

Mr Seales, of South Shields, has been charged with seven counts of collecting information useful to a person committing an act of terrorism.

The documents allegedly include instructions on making explosives, an Improvised Munitions Handbook, Making A Hidden Bomb and Car Bombs Inside America, the court heard.

Both defendants denied all charges during a hearing at Leeds Crown Court.

Judge Tom Bayliss QC remanded them in custody ahead of a trial due to start on 30 September at the same court.