A teenage asylum seeker accused of building a nail bomb which partially exploded on a London Underground train is to face trial in the New Year.

Ahmed Hassan Mohammed Ali, is accused of leaving the homemade bomb on the District Line train on Friday, September 15.

The 18-year-old was arrested the next morning at the Port of Dover.

The package partially exploded and sent a fireball through the carriage at Parsons Green, south west London, injuring 30 passengers.

Iraqi national Hassan bought ingredients online including from Amazon to make the explosive TATP, known as 'Mother of Satan', it is claimed.

The device, stored in a white tub inside a Lidl bag, contained knives, screws and other items, it was alleged.

He allegedly built the device at his home in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, where he lives with foster carers.

Today he appeared at the Old Bailey via video link for a preliminary hearing charged with one count of attempted murder and an explosive offence.

Setting out the allegations prosecutor Lee Ingham said: "The allegation is that the defendant built and placed an IED onto a train and in or around the Parsons Green train station it partially exploded.

"The intention was there should be a larger explosion with intent to cause serious injuries to those on board."

He added: "The Crown say these offences are motivated by politics and fall under the counter terrorism act definition."

Mr Justice Haddon-Cave set a date for plea and trial preparation for January 19 and the trial, which is expected to last two weeks, was set for March 5.

Ali, of Sunbury-on-Thames, was remanded in custody to appear at the same court via video link for his plea hearing.