A BLACKBURN teenager has appeared in court charged with with attempting to travel to Syria to commit acts of terrorism.

Ednane Mahmood, of Plane Street, Bastwell, is also accused of providing internet links to others with speeches and propaganda which encouraged acts of terrorism.

The 18-year-old was stopped by police at Manchester Airport after returning from Turkey on September 21.

Mahmood was charged on Wednesday following an investigation by Lancashire police and the North West Counter-Terrorism Unit, based in Manchester.

Making his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday (THURS), Mahmood, who will turn 19 in July, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the brief 15-minute hearing.

Wearing a red and grey jumper with blue jeans, and with short hair and a beard, the teenager was flanked by a security guard in the dock, while his father and uncle sat in the public gallery.

The first charge states that between June 1 and November 24, 2014, Mahmood provided a service to others that enabled them to obtain, read, listen to or look at a terrorist publication.

It is alleged that Mahmood used the internet to provide links to speeches, and other propaganda.

The charge describes such distribution as 'a direct or indirect encouragement or other inducement to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism'.

The second charge states that Mahmood, on or before September 21, 2014, engaged in conduct in preparation with the intention of committing acts of terrorism by attempting to travel to Syria.

He was released on bail and will next appear at the Old Bailey on April 24.

His bail conditions dictate that he must sleep at his family's home address, report to a police station in Blackburn twice a week, that he does not apply for any travel documents and does not to use the internet or any social media.