A man charged under the Terrorism Act appeared in court today after a live grenade was allegedly found in his luggage when he landed at Gatwick.

Hasil Mohammed Rahaham-Alan, of Caracas, Venezuela, was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on February 24.

Customs officers arrested him at Gatwick on Thursday after he arrived on a British Airways flight.

He appeared at Bow Street magistrates' court, London, today to face three charges - possessing an article for the purpose of committing a terrorist act, possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or damage property and carrying a dangerous article on an aircraft.

Rahaham-Alan, bearded and with long black hair, walked into court dressed in a baggy blue jumper.

He sat in the dock with a single police officer and a Spanish interpreter during the five-minute hearing.

His lawyer, Peter Corrigan, said he he could understand the proceedings in English but the interpreter would provide clarification if necessary.

Rahaham Alan stood and spoke in a barely audible voice as he gave his full name and date of birth.

The court clerk read him the charges.

She said: "On February 13 this year, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court, you had in your possession an article - that was a grenade - for use in the commission of an act of terrorism.

"On the same day you had in your possession an explosive substance, that being a grenade, with intent to endanger life or cause damage to property.

"The same day whilst on a British registered aircraft you had in your possession a dangerous article. That was a hand grenade."