Chesterfield terror suspect appears in court

Andi Sami Star, 31, of Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, and Farhad Salah, 22, of Brunswick Road, Sheffield, are charged with engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism.

Both men, who are Kurdish Iraqis, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court by video link from Leeds this afternoon.

The court heard how they are accused of possessing ‘low explosive black powder’.

Thomas Halpin, prosecuting, told the hearing the Crown alleged that the pair had been in the early stages of a plot at the time of their arrests.

A lawyer for Mr Star - who owns the Mermaid Traditional Fish Bar on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield - said there was no evidence he was involved in terrorism and added that he would plead not guilty.

Mr Star and Mr Salah have been remanded in custody and are next due to appear at the Old Bailey in London on Friday, January 19.

They were among four men arrested in Derbyshire and Sheffield on Tuesday last week following an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE) and supported by Derbyshire and South Yorkshire police.

A third man, a 36-year-old from Burngreave in Sheffield, remains in custody.

A 41-year-old Sheffield man was released without charge on Saturday.

• A CTPNE spokesman said: "Derbyshire Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police continue to work closely with their partners and communities to reassure local people and protect the public.

"If you see or hear something which could be terrorist related, act on your instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321.

"In an emergency, dial 999."