Islamic State supporter pleads guilty to St Paul's Cathedral bomb plot

 (Photo: Unsplash/Daniel Roe)

A supporter of the Islamic State has pleaded guilty to plotting a suicide bomb attack on St Paul's Cathedral. 

Saffiya Amira Shaikh, 36, from Hayes, Middlesex, has been remanded in custody until a sentencing hearing on May 12. 

At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, the Muslim convert admitted to preparation of terrorist acts and dissemination of terrorist publications. 

Shaikh's plot was foiled after she disclosed her plans to undercover officers posing as an explosives expert and his wife, Sky News reports. 

It is claimed that she had also gone on a reconnaissance trip to the cathedral and a hotel to scope out where to plant bombs. 

Shaikh was born Michelle Ramsden but changed her name after converting to Islam in 2007. She was radicalised by 2015, Sky News reports. 

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.