Women accused of planning first all-female terror attack in UK appear in court

Mina Dich, Rizlaine Boular and Khawla Barghouthi accused of planning knife attack in Westminster

Mina Dich, 43, Rizlaine Boular, 21, and Khawla Barghouthi, 20, appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in May charged with preparing a terrorist act and conspiracy to murder. (PA)

Three women accused of mounting the first all-female terror plot in the UK have appeared in court.

Mina Dich, 43, her daughter Rizlaine Boular, 21, and Khawla Barghouthi, 20, were charged in relation to the alleged planning of a suspected knife attack in Westminster.

The trio appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday via video link from HMP Bronzefield, where they are being held in custody.

A judge set their next hearing for 23 October, with a provisional trial date set for 27 November.

Boular was shot by armed police during a raid a house in Harlesden Road, Willesden, in April, where Barghouthi was also arrested.

Dich, of Lambeth, was arrested in Kent on the same day.

Boular, of Clerkenwell, was formally charged three days later after being discharged from the hospital where she was treated for gunshot wounds.

Police said the operation foiled an “active terror plot” and the trio have been charged with the preparation of a terrorist act.

The three women are accused of conspiring together to murder “a person or persons unknown” between 11 and 28 April.

Boular is also charged with “engaging in conduct in preparation” for terrorist acts between the same dates, while Dich and Barghouthi are charged with intending to assist her.

Both Boular and Dich have worn full-face Islamic veils during court appearances, lifting the coverings to show their eyes when requested, while Barghouthi wears a headscarf.