A man who was stopped at an Essex airport last year has been jailed for 14 terrorism offences after he shared extremist content online.

The investigation into Ismail Kissa, from Leyton in east London, was launched after he was subjected to a port stop at Stansted Airport on March 29 2022.

He was spoken to by officers, who also examined two mobile phones he was carrying. On initial review of the phones, officers found a number of files and videos of concern linked to terrorism.

As a result, Kissa was arrested and taken into police custody, where he was questioned by detectives about the material found on his phone. He offered no comment.

The phones were sent for further examination which revealed he was a member of various extremist chat groups on the Telegram app.

Officers found evidence that he had shared a number of so-called Islamic State propaganda videos and terrorist content with others on these groups.

Police say Kissa engaged in conversations about the importance of target selection for a terrorist attack, including reference to police stations.

Officers also found Kissa had an instructional video on one of his phones which contained details of how to make a ‘molotov cocktail’ device.

The video was assessed by a forensic expert who the Met says concluded if the instructions were followed, it would have made a viable incendiary device.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter terrorism command, said: “This conviction has come about as a result of a Schedule 7 stop at the airport, which led to officers identifying extremist material on his phones and then launching an investigation.

“This case demonstrates how valuable it is that SO15 is part of a national Counter Terrorism network that works closely with colleagues around the country to keep the public safe, and deal with people that support extreme ideologies and we suspect of terrorism offences.

“We know that the sharing of this type of material online can lead to people becoming radicalised – particularly some young people who may be more vulnerable to malign influences. If you see this kind of material online, or are aware of anyone sharing it, I would urge you to report it to us so we can take appropriate action.”

Anyone who sees terrorist material online can report it via www.gov.uk/ACT or download the iReportIt app, which will allow them to report material directly to police.

Kissa was sentenced yesterday (June 20) at the Old Bailey to six years and a further four years on extended licence.

Kissa will also be subject to Part 4 Notification requirements.

He previously pleaded guilty to 13 counts of disseminating terrorist publications and one count of possessing material likely to be of use to a terrorist.