Gang plotted to behead soldier

A terror gang hatched a plot to kidnap a soldier on Birmingham's Broad Street and then behead him "like a pig", a court was told today.

The gang would have filmed the atrocity and shown his military ID card to prove what they had done, it was alleged.

The footage would have been put on the internet, the court was told.

See also: Terror plot gang pictures

Soldier attack to 'cause panic'

Today it can be revealed that four Birmingham men have pleaded guilty to offences linked to the cell, and allegations relating to the supply of equipment to terrorists in Pakistan.

Leicester Crown Court heard the plan was masterminded by Islamic "fanatic" Parviz Khan, from Birmingham, who has admitted his part in the conspiracy.

It was alleged that he wanted to kidnap a soldier with the help of drug dealers in Birmingham.

Three other men, also from Birmingham, have pleaded guilty to other offences connected to the plot, said Mr Nigel Rumfitt QC prosecuting.

He said: "Khan is a fanatic, a man who has the most violent and extreme Islamist views.

"He is at the centre of a terrorist cell based in the Birmingham area. The leading activity of this was to gather money and items to be sent to Pakistan for terrorists."

This afternoon the court heard that Khan sent up to 30 kilos of firelighters to Pakistan which could have been used in bombs.

Mr Rumfitt continued: "Khan was enraged by the idea there are Muslim soldiers serving in the British Army.

"He decided to kidnap one. He would then be taken to a garage and murdered by having his head cut off like a pig."

Khan was allegedly overheard describing the soldier's fate, saying: "We can ambush him. The lads will show blades and get him. It is not going to take more than 30 seconds."

By John Scott at Leicester Crown Court