Train blast suspect remanded

A suspect today appeared in court charged in connection with a terrorist attack on a train in France which left eight people dead and dozens injured.

Unemployed Rachid Ramda, 32, appeared before high-security Belmarsh Magistrates Court in south east London in relation to extradition proceedings brought by the French government.

The move follows an explosion on the RER rail network in St Michel in July 1995.

It is alleged Ramda, of no fixed address, conspired with Benz Boualem and others to murder and to cause an explosion.

District Judge Timothy Workman remanded the defendant in custody and adjourned the case until May 18 at Bow Street Magistrates Court.

Ramda is next expected to appear in court in person on June 10 at Belmarsh.

The defendant, who was already in custody in connection with other long-standing extradition matters, was flanked by three security guards during the 15-minute hearing.

Wearing a blue shirt, black trousers and black and white cardigan, he spoke only to confirm that he understood the proceedings.

No application was made for bail.