[ACNS, by staff writer] The iconic St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London was the target of a planned terror attack, the city’s Metropolitan Police have said. In a statement, the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command said that a 36-year-old woman, Safiyya Amira Shaikh from Hayes in Middlesex, had been charged with terrorism offences and has been remanded in custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court. She will appear at the Central Criminal Court – known as the Old Bailey – on 1 November.

She has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The charge alleges that, between 19 August this year and her arrest on 10 October, she had made contact with a person she believed to was able to assist in preparing explosives; had researched methods and decided on a plan to carry out a terrorist act; had carried out reconnaissance at a hotel and noted its suitability as a target for a bomb; attended St Paul’s to scope it for security and for the best place to plant a second bomb.

They also allege that she had supplied two bags to a person with the intention that they would fit explosive devices into them; and had prepared the words of a pledge of allegiance to Daesh (the so-called “Islamic State”).

Police say that she was arrested by Counter Terrorism officers at an address in north-west London on 10 October, under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.