A 19-year-old man has appeared in court charged with terrorism and firearm offences.

Alfie Douglas Coleman, of Great Notley, was charged on Wednesday as part of an investigation relating to “extreme right-wing terrorism”, Scotland Yard has said.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Coleman is charged with single counts of preparation of terrorism, possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of ammunition without a firearms certificate, as well as 10 offences of possession of terrorist material.

Coleman appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday and was remanded in custody during the brief hearing.

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 27.

Coleman was arrested in east London on Friday, September 29, as part of a pre-planned operation, and detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

He was taken into custody at a London police station.

A warrant of further detention was obtained from Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, September 30, allowing police to detain him until Friday, October 6.

A second warrant of further detention was granted at the same court on Friday, October 6, which meant officers could keep him in custody for a further seven days, until Friday, October 13.

He was subsequently charged.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “I appreciate that charges of this nature may well be concerning to the public.

"Whilst we can’t comment on the details of the case now legal proceedings are active, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe that there is any enduring threat.

“Our officers work around the clock to identify and disrupt terrorist activity, but we can only do that with the public’s support and we would ask them to continue to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t feel right, then to get in touch.

"You won’t ruin anyone’s life, but you could help save them.”