Man who 'planned terror attack targeting Muslims' appears in court

Steven Bishop was arrested by counterterror police in London

Mr Bishop appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (AFP)

A man accused of plotting to target Muslims with a terror attack has appeared in court.

Steven Bishop has been charged with preparing an act of terrorism and making a record of information useful to a person committing an act of terrorism.

The 40-year-old, from south London, spoke only to give his name, date of birth and address at a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

His lawyer, Tim Forte, indicated not guilty pleas will be made to the charges and made no application for bail.

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot remanded Mr Bishop in custody ahead of a hearing at London's Old Bailey on 23 November.

He was arrested by counterterror police on 29 October on suspicion of planning an attack.

A 47-year-old man arrested as part of the same operation on 1 November has since been released without charge.

Additional reporting by Press Association