Alleged Isis supporter denies plotting to assassinate Theresa May in bomb and knife attack on Downing Street

Naa’imur Zakariyah Rahman allegedly plotted to blow up the gates and stab PM in ensuing chaos

Downing Street is heavily guarded with gates that shut off the road (PA)

An alleged Isis supporter planned to blow up Downing Street’s gates and stab Theresa May to death in the ensuing chaos, a court heard.

Prosecutors at the Old Bailey in London said Naa’imur Zakariyah Rahman pledged allegiance to the terrorist group in a video, recorded before he hoped to become a “martyr”.

The 20-year-old planned to detonate a bomb concealed within a bag at the gates, before gaining access to No 10 in the ensuing chaos, the court heard. Then he planned to kill the prime minister.

Mr Rahman allegedly wanted to wear a suicide vest during the assault. He also planned to carry pepper spray and knife.

He is accused of carrying out hostile reconnaissance of the prime minister’s closely guarded official residence.

He is alleged to have told friends his plans in conversations that were recorded.

Mr Rahman pleaded not guilty to preparing acts of terrorism before his arrest on 28 November.

The defendant, of Finchley in north London, also denies assisting friend Mohammad Aqib Imran in separate plans.

Mr Imran is accused of planning to join Isis in Libya.

The 22-year-old is also alleged to saved more than £3,600 towards his venture, tried to secure a fake passport and searched extremist ideologies and travel options.

The Birmingham man also downloaded and adhered to a “guide” for Isis supporters written by a member of the terrorist group and was found in possession of his co-defendant’s 27-second allegiance video.

He pleaded not guilty to preparing acts of terrorism before his arrest on 28 November.

The pair spoke only to confirm their identities and enter not-guilty pleas while appearing before Mr Justice Haddon-Cave via video-link from Belmarsh Prison.

The pair were remanded in custody ahead of their trial at the Old Bailey on 18 June.

Additional reporting by PA