Leytonstone Tube attacker left victim with 12cm neck wound and had Isil images on his mobile, court hears

From the Telegraph and the Daily Mail

Muhaydin Mire, 29, is accused of launching a sustained and unprovoked attack before shouting “this is for Syria, my Muslim brothers” and “this is because you bombed the hospitals in Syria”.

Images and flags associated with terror group Isil as well as details of recent attacks in America and Paris were discovered on Mire’s mobile phone after the attack.

The 6ft 3in suspect spoke only to confirm his name and address as he appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday to answer a “preliminary” charge of attempted murder. 

The attacker’s phone was “named” “Die in your crusader”, a phrase associated with Isil, a case summary handed to the media with the approval of the judge said.

The Crown said the offences were “acts of terrorism” falling within definition of section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

As the hearing opened, Mire – who wore a grey t-shirt and matching tracksuit bottoms – had his handcuffs taken off under the orders of district judge Quentin Purdy. Mire, of Leytonstone, was remanded in custody to appear again at the Old Bailey on Friday.

A neighbour of Mire has said he seemed friendly and wore western clothes such as jeans and trainers apart from on Fridays. Law student Rothstein Williams helped the suspect move into a ground floor flat in the low rise estate  (Sansome Road) and was shocked to learn he had been accused of the crime.

He said: ‘I saw the police arrive at his home. I don’t know why anyone would do something like that, he seems so reserved. He wore normal western clothes but sometimes he wore his traditional Muslim dress on Fridays and go to the mosque. I’ve seen him have visitors. He said they were cousins. I helped him move in, helped him carry chairs and his bed. He was nice. He said thanks very much. He was always friendly to me.’