West London Woman Jailed for Life Over Terror Plot Targeting St Paul’s Cathedral and More
Safiyya Shaikh, 37, from west London, was handed a life sentence with a minimum 14 years behind bars for plotting deadly terrorist attacks on a train station, a hotel, and the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. She was also convicted for spreading extremist material online.
A Chilling Terror Plot Uncovered
The Old Bailey heard how Shaikh was arrested on 10 October 2019 after a joint investigation by the Met Police and MI5. Undercover officers had infiltrated her circle, with Shaikh believing one contact could supply explosives.
She handed over two bags she hoped would be turned into bombs. Shaikh planned to hide one device inside St Paul’s, another in a nearby hotel, and detonate a suicide vest at a busy train station.
Shaikh admitted in a police interview that she wanted to mimic the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed hundreds.
Radicalisation and Online Extremism
Shaikh converted to Islam in 2007 but later turned to extremist circles online. Through a Telegram channel called ‘GreenB1irds,’ she pumped out terror propaganda posters and videos — some she produced herself.
- Shared grisly clips of Daesh executions
- Called for attacks on landmarks including Big Ben, London Bridge, and the Hilversun Church in the Netherlands
- Boasted about enjoying graphic terrorist footage
- Gloated that mainstream media unwittingly promoted her threats
- Trained others to carry on her online terror campaign after an attack
In September 2019, she even visited St Paul’s Cathedral, snapping photos inside. She sent an undercover officer a picture of the ceiling captioned: “Under this dome I would like to put bomb.”
Police Warn Public to Stay Vigilant
Commander Richard Smith, head of Met Police Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is a stark reminder that the threat from terrorism remains as real as ever. As lockdown eases and public spaces reopen, we need the public to stay alert and report anything suspicious.”
Shaikh pleaded guilty in February 2021 to preparing terrorist acts and disseminating terrorist publications under the Terrorism Act 2006.
“Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Met Police and MI5, Shaikh is behind bars,” added Commander Smith. “The fight against terrorism goes on every day. We urge everyone to report suspicious behaviour to keep the UK safe.”
