Kidnap plot: Men in court

Four other men were charged and face allegations including making money or property available to suspected terrorists and failing to warn police of the plot.

Assistant Chief Constable David Shaw said today: "Although I am extremely encouraged by the way in which this investigation has progressed, it is vital that we do not fail to acknowledge the stark reality of what was being planned in our midst."

Overnight, a 38-year-old man was released without charge, bringing the total freed to three. Those charged were due to appear before Coventry magistrates this afternoon. One other man remains in custody for ongoing questioning.

The men have been held since last Wednesday when police raided more than a dozen addresses in Birmingham.

Today, Mr Shaw said: "We have made extraordinary progress in that time but it would be wrong of me to leave you thinking that this is any sense a completed inquiry.

"We have seized over 4,500 exhibits, which include computers, mobile phones and many documents. Many of these have yet to be examined."

Mr Shaw praised the "supreme skill and care" of West Midlands and Metropolitan police officers and MI5.

Susan Hemming, head of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Over the course of last night, my colleagues and I made decisions that there was sufficient evidence and we authorised the charge of five individuals.

"These individuals are only accused of these offences, and they have a right to a fair trial."

By Crime Correspondent Mike Woods