By James Simons-
Three men, identified as Logan Stewart, and Christopher Ringrose, are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, facing charges related to suspected extreme right-wing activity.
All three men only spoke to confirm their names and ages and were remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on March 15.
They were each charged with preparing or assisting another to commit acts of terrorism on or before February 20 2024.
It is alleged the trio had identified the Islamic Education Centre in Leeds as a potential target, manufactured an FGC 9 semi-automatic firearm, and had acquired instructions on how to assemble a 3D-printed firearm.
They also allegedly obtained extreme right-wing texts, joined extreme right-wing chat forums, and distributed information on firearms and ammunition
Logan Stewart and Marco Pitzettu, both 24 years old, alongside Christopher Ringrose, 33, were arrested at their respective homes last Tuesday as part of an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
The arrests stem from a probe into suspected extreme right-wing activity, signaling authorities’ heightened vigilance against threats posed by such ideologies.
During the arrests, authorities conducted searches at the homes of the three men as part of what they described as a “pre-planned, intelligence-led” operation.
Subsequently, warrants were granted on Wednesday to extend their detention for further questioning, reflecting the gravity of the allegations.
Logan Stewart hails from Leeds, Marco Pitzettu from Derby in Derbyshire, and Christopher Ringrose from Cannock in Staffordshire. All three individuals are charged with preparing an act of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
The charges underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating the alleged offenses and serve as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremism in various forms.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism in all its manifestations, whether from the far right, Islamist extremism, or other extremist ideologies.