Exclusive: Meet Mohammed Farooq – the man accused of plotting a deadly terror attack at Leeds’ St James’ Hospital.
Pressure Cooker Bomb Plot Foiled
Counter Terrorism Policing North East has released the first image of Farooq, 28, currently on trial at Sheffield Crown Court. The clinical support worker was arrested on hospital grounds in January, caught red-handed with a pressure cooker bomb eerily similar to the device used in the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon attack.
Self-Radicalised ‘Lone Wolf’ with a Grudge
Prosecutors say Farooq harboured a deep grudges against former colleagues at St James’ and waged a bitter campaign against them. Jonathan Sandiford KC branded him a “self-radicalised, lone wolf terrorist” intent on unleashing carnage in Yorkshire. Farooq denies the main terror charge but admitted to possession of explosives and carrying an imitation firearm intended to spread fear.
On January 20, a heroic patient named Nathan Newby stopped Farooq outside the hospital just as he planned to detonate his bomb. Prosecutors say Farooq had vowed to “kill as many nurses as possible,” with his chilling attack only halted by Newby’s quick actions.
Bomb-Making Guide and Failed Military Base Attack
Farooq reportedly taught himself bomb-making using online instructions, including a notorious article titled “Build a bomb in the kitchen of your mom” by the so-called “AQ chef.” Police say he told them he aimed to create a device twice as powerful as the Boston bomb.
He also targeted RAF Menwith Hill, a U.S. military base in North Yorkshire, visiting twice with the bomb. But strong security forced him to scrap that plan and switch focus back to the hospital.
Experts warned Farooq’s bomb would have caused a deadly explosion with shrapnel flying at high speed, risking serious injury or death.
Defence Claims Personal Grievance, Not Terror
Defence barrister Gul Nawaz Hussain KC admitted Farooq’s guilt over bomb possession and searching bomb-making instructions. However, he argued the attack was driven not by Islamist extremism, but by personal anger and unresolved grievances against former colleagues.
The trial continues as the court examines if Farooq’s twisted plans would have turned Leeds hospital into a scene of terror.
