France train attack gunman Ayoub El-Khazzani charged with terrorism

The Moroccan suspect in a foiled attack on a high-speed train in France is facing terrorism charges over what authorities say was a plan to unleash carnage among hundreds of passengers.

Ayoub El-Khazzani was charged overnight, the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed.

El-Khazzani was tackled and tied up by at least five passengers, including three Americans and a Briton.

The 26-year-old has denied terrorism plans and said he stumbled upon a bag of weapons and decided to rob passengers.

Paris prosecutor Francois Molins has said El-Khazzani watched a jihadi video on his mobile phone moments before the attack and that – although he claimed to be homeless – he used a first-class ticket.

Among the terrorism charges he faces are multiple counts of attempted murder, possession of weapons and conspiracy.