Jamie Grierson

Two teenagers are to stand trial for their alleged involvement in a terrorist plot, a court heard yesterday.

Former public schoolboy Andrew "Isa" Ibrahim, 19, and Somalian student Hashi Omer, 18, appeared together for the first time yesterday at Bristol Crown Court.

Muslim convert Mr Ibrahim, of Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, appeared via videolink at Belmarsh Prison.

He faces charges of possessing explosives, articles for terrorist purposes and intending to commit acts of terrorism.

Mr Omer, also a Muslim, of St Judes, Bristol, appeared in the dock accused of failing to disclose information to police - specifically about Mr Ibrahim's alleged preparations for a suicide bomb attack.

Neither defendant entered pleas but Bristol Crown Court heard the pair would stand separate trials, with Mr Ibrahim's likely to start on June 1 next year at Winchester Crown Court.

Mr Omer's trial is likely to take place in September 2009 at Bristol Crown Court.

Both Mr Ibrahim and Mr Omer will appear together again at Bristol Crown Court on December 5 for a case progression hearing.

Controlled explosions were carried out at Mr Ibrahim's home in Comb Paddock in April. Police said the teenager was accused of possessing Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine, also known as HMTD, which is an explosive organic chemical compound.

He is also accused of possessing two home-made vests, ball bearings, airgun pellets, nails and screws, wired circuitry, batteries and electric bulb filaments.

Officers arrested Mr Omer in June after their investigation into Mr Ibrahim led them to his former home - a rented bedsit in Bellevue Road, Bristol.

Mr Ibrahim was yesterday remanded in custody and Mr Omer remanded on conditional bail.