Howard Michael Phillips, a 64-year-old from Harlow, Essex, has been arrested in central London.

Phillips is charged with assisting Russia's foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act.

He appeared in court in a grey tracksuit and was denied bail.

A court date has been set for June 14 at the Old Bailey.

The Metropolitan Police conducted searches in Hertfordshire and Essex as part of a counter-terrorism investigation.

The arrest is not connected to any other recent NSA offences and is not believed to pose a threat to the public.

Specific details about Phillips' alleged activities have not been disclosed.