A man who wanted to join Islamic State has denied plotting to assassinate Theresa May in an attack on Downing Street.

Naa’imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, pleaded not guilty on Friday to preparing acts of terrorism before his arrest on 28 November last year. It is alleged he carried out reconnaissance of the target location, recorded a pledge of allegiance and purchased a rucksack.

According to the charge, he collected the rucksack and a jacket to be fitted with an improvised explosive device “with a view to committing attacks against persons in the UK”.

Rahman, of Finchley, north London, also allegedly assisted Mohammad Aqib Imran, 22, in his terrorism plans.

On or before 28 November, Rahman recorded and sent to Imran “a sponsorship video in order for him to be accepted by Islamic State”, the charge says.

Imran, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, allegedly tried to join Isis, and is charged with preparing acts of terrorism. His charge alleges that he saved money to pay for a fake passport and travel to Libya, and sent two photos of his passport data to secure a fake passport.

He carried out online research into travel options and terrorist publications and had an Isis-sponsorship video sent by Rahman, the charge says.

He also downloaded How To Survive in the West – A Mujahid’s Guide 2015, it is claimed.

Rahman and Imran were arrested in raids by the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command in London and Birmingham.

The pair appeared at the Old Bailey before Mr Justice Haddon-Cave via videolink from Belmarsh prison. They spoke only to confirm their identities and enter not-guilty pleas. They were remanded in custody ahead of their trial on 18 June.