A BRAINTREE teenager will enter pleas to terrorism and firearms charges next year, a court has heard.

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

He 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 ten offences of possession of terrorist material.

Coleman appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday via video link from HMP Bullingdon.

He is due to appear at the same court on March 1 next year for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

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

He was taken into custody at a London police station.

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

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

The 19-year-old was then charged in October as part of an investigation relating to “extreme right-wing terrorism”, Scotland Yard said.

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.”