An IS jihadi reportedly groomed an undercover journalist to carry out a car-bomb attack on a major London landmark.
The Islamic State recruiter wanted the reporter to conduct a sickening ‘Nice-style’ lone wolf attack at a high profile target just last Monday.
According to an investigation by The Sun, the jihadi suggested a list of potential targets, including Big Ben and London Bridge in a series of messages, before selecting an unidentified shopping centre.
He is said to have told the reporter: “Learn from Nice. Get a car you can park somewhere busy with many people — and a gun you can use at the same time.
“While sitting in car, use them all (referring to bullets) and quickly press the button.
“Both things must be in a hurry. No time gap.”
The pair reportedly communicated through the encrypted Telegram messaging app, widely used by terrorists to set-up similar terrifying plots, for several months.
In the messages the jihadi sent a bomb-making guide, which included numerous items that could be bought on the high street for £300.
During conversations the terrorist claimed to have active jihadi operations in the UK and the US.
He also reportedly spoke about recent IS atrocities – including the devastating attacks in Nice and the shooting in Orlando’s gay nightclub Pulse – as examples of what jihadis could achieve.
Evidence gathered as part of the undercover investigation has been passed to anti-terror police and MI5, who have requested not to reveal the location of the shopping centre, The Sun added.