Two British men have been charged with planning to commit an act of terrorism by fleeing the UK to join Islamic State. Oliver William Rea, 24, from Arnold in Nottinghamshire and Muhammad Bham, 19, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, are both charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Both men are UK nationals and were seized following a probe by Counter Terrorism Officers North East. Rea is also charged with three counts of disseminating terrorist publications that encourage terrorism, contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006, two counts of inviting support for a proscribed organisation, namely ISIS, contrary to section 12(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and two counts of expressing support for a proscribed organisation (Al Queda and ISIS), contrary to section 12(1A) Terrorism Act 2000.

The men were arrested as part of an intelligence-led operation last week, supported by West Yorkshire Police, Nottinghamshire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands. Warrants of further detention were granted by the court on Friday, October 31.

Rea and Bham have been remanded in custody following a charge and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court (via videolink) tomorrow, Thursday, 6 November 2025.