LONDON (AP) — A teenager charged with preparing acts of terrorism planned to carry out a bombing in a busy area of London, British prosecutors said Tuesday.

Haroon Ali-Syed, 19, is accused of engaging in "conduct in preparation" of terrorist acts between April and September. He was arrested at his home in west London on Thursday and charged on Tuesday.

During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, prosecutors said Ali-Syed attempted to obtain weapons online, including an explosive device, with a view to launching an assault on a busy area of the British capital.

The teenager spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the brief court hearing. District Judge Elizabeth Roscoe ordered him detained until his next court appearance on Monday.

Two other men, aged 19 and 20, detained at the same time have been released on bail.

Police said the arrests were part of an "intelligence-led investigation" by counterterrorism officers.