A man accused of plotting to kill British Prime Minister Theresa May pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges in a London court on Friday.

Naa'imur Rahman is accused of planning to detonate an explosive device at the gates of Downing Street to gain access to May's office and kill her in the ensuing chaos.

He appeared by video link at London's Old Bailey central criminal court ahead of his trial which is due to start next month.

Rahman has been accused of conducting reconnaissance of Downing Street and planning to use a bag fitted with an explosive device in preparations for "committing attacks against persons in the United Kingdom", according to a charge sheet.

Rahman, who was arrested in November, is also accused of helping another man, Mohammad Imran, to join the Islamic State militant group by recording and sending him a sponsorship video.

Imran pleaded not guilty on Friday to a charge of planning to travel to Libya to join Islamic State, possessing the video made by Rahman, conducting research into travel options and having terrorist publications.

Rahman, from north London, has said he is British-Bangladeshi, while Imran has said he is British.

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