Man appears in court over Leytonstone stabbing
A SUSPECT accused of slashing a commuter’s neck while shouting “This is for Syria” has appeared in court.
A police officer stands outside Leytonstone tube station
Muhaydin Mire, 29, allegedly tried to kill a 56-year-old Tube passenger at Leytonstone underground station in east London on December 5.
The victim suffered “serious” stab wounds to the arm and neck after he was attacked with a long bladed box cutter.
The victim, known only as “male A”, has not been publicly identified.
Two others were injured in the attack which was captured by witnesses on their mobile phones.
Mire is now facing a charge of attempted murder.
This defendant faces a charge of attempted murder
He appeared in court via videolink from HMP Belmarsh for a five minute preliminary hearing.
The defendant spoke only to confirm his name to the court.
Ken Millet, prosecuting, said: “This defendant faces a charge of attempted murder.”
An unidentified man was seriously stabbed during the attack
Mire has been remanded in custody until a plea and case management hearing on March 7 next year.
A provisional trial date has been set for May 31, with the case estimated to last two to three weeks.
The Leytonstone tube stabbing attracted widespread media coverage around the world and is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s anti-terrorism command.
Leytonstone tube station
Several witnesses posted footage of the incident online which showed the knifeman being repeatedly tasered by police officers.
Mire, of Sansom Road, Leytonstone, has been remanded in custody until the next hearing.
He is being assessed for his mental health and is due to be transferred to Broadmoor.
Mire is accused of attempted murder and has not yet entered a plea.
Police outside Leytonstone tube station