UK terror suspects in court

Two Algerians accused of being part of Osama bin Laden's terror network arrived at court today in an armoured police van surrounded by heightened security.

Baghdad Meziane, 36, and Brahim Benmerzouga, 30, were accompanied to Leicester Crown Court by three police motorcycles and two cars with sirens blaring.

Officers stood on every corner and parking cones lined the streets around the court as the two suspected terrorists were escorted into the building.

Meziane is charged with "directing" the al Qaida terror network, inciting an act of terrorism overseas, membership of al Qaida and four counts relating to financing terrorism.Benmerzouga is also charged with being a member of al Qaida and conspiring to raise money to fund terrorism.

He is also accused of possessing 19 videos containing visual images intended to stir up racial hatred, and a solar-powered battery pack suspected of being used in terrorism.

The pair are due to appear before Judge Richard Pollard for a preliminary hearing after they were remanded in custody by Leicester magistrates a week ago.

It is understood the two will have an interpreter with them in court to translate proceedings.