Terror suspect arrested in Whitehall with ‘bag of knives’ charged with possessing explosives in Afghanistan five years ago

THE smirking terror suspect arrested carrying a “bag of knives” in Whitehall has been charged with possessing explosives while in Afghanistan five years ago.

Khalid Mohammed Omar Ali, 27, was arrested in Westminster on April 27, five weeks after six people were killed in a terror attack.

Ali was followed by cops before being arrested at gunpoint after his family reportedly contacted security services.

He has now been charged with three offences after being held in custody for 12 days.

The Metropolitan Police said Ali faces one count of preparation of terrorists acts, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention.

He has also been charged with two offences under the Explosive Substance Act 1883, relating to activity in Afghanistan in 2012.

A Met Police spokesman said: “A man arrested in Whitehall on April 27 has been charged with three offences.

“He has been charged with, count one preparation of terrorists acts contrary to section 5 Terrorism Act 2006.

“On or before 27 April 2017 with the intention of committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention.”

“Count 2 and 3 under section 3 Explosive Substance Act 1883: On or before 28 January 2012 unlawfully and maliciously made or had in his possession or under his control a quantity of explosive substances with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable any other person to do so.

“On or before 6 July 2012 unlawfully and maliciously made or had in his possession or under his control a quantity of explosive substances with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable any other person to do so.”

“Counts 2 and 3 relate to activity in Afghanistan in 2012.”

It is believed Ali is a British citizen, but was born overseas and grew up in Tottenham, north London.

Ali, of north London, is due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court tomorrow.

When the suspect was detained by brave cops, dramatic pictures showed officers pinning him to the ground.

Three large knives and a discarded rucksack lay sprawled on the floor next to him as he was grappled to the ground.

Security services were reportedly tracking the suspect in a covert operation over some time, hoping to gather as much intelligence as possible before swooping.

Witnesses said the bearded suspect, who was wearing a tracksuit and trainers, appeared calm as cops moved in.

He was handcuffed, with his arms behind his back, and four officers around him.

As he was held, one hand wrapped in a bandage, he smirked and looked around.

It is thought he was headed towards Downing Street after emerging from St James' Park Tube station followed by cops.

Police had been tipped off by the suspect's concerned family, it was reported.

It is thought he was a "lone wolf" suspect and police will now probe if he has links to terror groups, including ISIS.