Australians woke to news of the largest counter-terrorism operation in the nation’s history. Now, the first of those charged after the raids has appeared in court, accused with planning public executions in Australian cities.

The accused, 22-year-old Omarjan Azari, has been refused bail in Sydney’s Central Local Court after being arrested during this morning’s pre-dawn raids in Sydney.

He has been charged with one count of acting in preparation/planning of a terrorist attack.

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His lawyers did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.

Azari, from Guildford in Sydney’s west, was one of 15 people detained during the largest counter-terrorism operation in Australian history on Thursday morning.

The operation followed Australia’s outgoing spy chief, ASIO director David Irvine, raising the terror alert level to “high” amid fears of an attack on home soil last Friday.

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Azari appeared in court wearing a dark fleece jumper before his lawyer requested he be returned to the cells.

Court documents showed the alleged plans involving Azari were conducted with others from May 8 this year.

Prosecutor Michael Allnutt told the court that Azari was accused of plans designed to “shock” and “horrify” the community.

The plan involved the “random selection of persons to rather gruesomely execute”, he said.

He said Azari had access to cash and the matter involved “an unusual level of fanaticism”.

Defence lawyer Steve Boland said the DPP’s case centred around one phone call.

Azari is due to reappear in court in Sydney on November 13 via video link.

Police warn against backlash

Meanwhile, police have issues strong warnings against taking to the streets in response to Thurday morning’s counter-terrorism operation.

A “high visibility” police operation has been launched for busy Sydney streets, transport hubs, iconic locations and critical infrastructure.

“It will be … happening in areas where potentially people may want to either take some retribution or in fact create trauma within communities,” NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said.

“We won’t be tolerating any misbehaviour on the streets.”

Operation Hammerhead will include more than 220 NSW Police “very visible, out and about”.

With the threat of a terrorist attack reality, Mr Scipione said people should remain calm but vigilant.

– AAP