A man has appeared in court accused of leaving a crude home-made bomb in a shopping centre.

David Rutherford, 24, of Barry Avenue, Preston, was remanded into custody for 14 days after a brief appearance at Preston Magistrates' Court.

Rutherford, wearing a grey sweatshirt and flanked by two prison officers, nodded to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was arrested on Wednesday after an incendiary device was found in toilets at the Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston at 9am on December 17.

The city centre shopping complex was evacuated by police.

The device had ignited but did not explode or cause damage or injury.

Rutherford is charged with unlawfully and maliciously making an explosive substance, an improvised incendiary device with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property or enable another to do so.

Martine Connah, prosecuting, said the case was "unusual" and asked JPs to remand the defendant in custody for two weeks as the charge requires approval by the Attorney General, the most senior government lawyer.

Paolo Passerini, defending, told the court he did not object to the defendant being remanded in custody but he was "duty bound" to inform magistrates there were "issues" over the defendant's mental health and his ability to understand proceedings and whether remand in prison was appropriate.

No pleas were entered and there was no application for bail. There will be a further hearing by videolink on January 8, before Rutherford is brought back to court on January 14.

A 27-year-old man from Preston who was also arrested in connection with the investigation was released on police bail until January 28. At this stage there is not thought to be any connection between the two men.