Man appears in court over plot to murder British lawmaker, threat to kill female police officer

LONDON (REUTERS) - A man accused of being a member of a banned far-right British group appeared in court on Friday (Oct 27), accused of plotting to murder a politician with a machete and making threats to kill a female police officer.

The 22-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with intention to commit terrorism and threats to kill.

Another man, Christopher Lythgoe, 31, from Warrington in northern England, was charged with encouraging him to murder the politician.

Four other men were also in court, charged with being members of the National Action group, which was outlawed by the British government last year.

Following their arrest, opposition Labour Party Member of Parliament Rosie Cooper said in a statement: "I would like to thank everyone involved in this case, especially the counter-terrorism police, for keeping me, my staff and the public safe.

"There remains an ongoing criminal investigation, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment further," she added.

The six defendants were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey criminal court in London next Friday.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.