A man charged with plotting to cause explosions following an investigation into a suspected Real IRA bombing campaign has been remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey.

John Paul Gerard Hannan, 19, is charged with plotting to cause an explosion and possessing weapons.

He was arrested following an investigation into two car bombs in London and a third abortive attack in Birmingham.

Mr Hannan will appear before trial judge Mr Justice Gibb, sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice, on Wednesday.

Hand grenade

Four other men are being held on similar charges.

They are James McCormack, 33, Noel Maguire, 32, Aiden Hulme, 25, and his brother Robert Hulme, 22.

All the men were charged in May and are awaiting trial.

Hannan is charged with conspiring with them between 1 January and 15 November of last year to cause an explosion of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

Police have not specified which bombing.

He is also charged with possessing explosives, a handgun and a grenade.