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UK charges man with attempted murder over Leytonstone attack

Muhaydin Mire, 29, appears in court after being charged over incident in Leytonstone, east London, on Saturday
A police officer stands guard outside Leytonstone station in north London on 6 December, 2015 (AFP)

A man held over of a stabbing attack at an east London tube station has appeared in court charged with attempted murder of a 56-year-old man.

Muhaydin Mire, 29, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Monday for a brief hearing over the attack at Leytonstone on Saturday.

Prosecutors told the court that the attack was an act of terrorism and images and flags associated with Islamic State were allegedly found on his phone.

Mire entered the courtroom handcuffed but had them removed in the dock. Mire, who wore a light grey t-shirt and tracksuit trousers, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was charged on Monday over the incident, where one person was seriously injured, although it is not believed his injuries are life threatening.

Mire is accused of punching his victim before and cutting a 12cm wound in his neck. The victim was in surgery for five hours after the attack.

The accused also allegedly brandished a knife at other bystanders.

Police fired three Tasers at the alleged attacker before he was arrested.

Mire was remanded in custody until Friday, when he will appear at the Old Bailey.

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