A FORMER Cambridge University student has appeared in court accused of making a "grossly offensive" post about Jewish people.

Oliver Bel, 23, from Oldham, allegedly said "extermination was the best option" in 2017.

He is also accused of having a copy of the Anarchist's Cookbook last year.

The controversial book, published in 1971, contains instructions for the manufacture of explosives,

Bel, a former student at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton, achieved A* in Maths, Further Maths and Physics. He went on to read Maths at Pembroke College, Cambridge

On Friday, Bel appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Manchester to face two charges.

The first alleges that on September 14, 2017, he sent a message by an electronic communication network that was "grossly offensive", contrary to the Communications Act 2003.

The second alleges that on November 15 last year in Salford, he possessed a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Bel spoke to confirm his identity and gave his nationality as British during a virtual court hearing before Mr Justice Sweeney.

The senior judge transferred the case to Manchester Crown Court to be tried by Judge Alan Conrad QC.

A plea hearing was set for June 12 with a provisional five-day trial from November 2.

The defendant, of Chadderton, Oldham, was granted continued conditional bail.