An Islamic State (IS) supporter who called for an attack on Prince George has been warned he could face life behind bars after dramatically changing his plea during his trial.

Husnain Rashid, of Nelson, Lancashire, had maintained his innocence throughout proceedings at Woolwich Crown Court, but on Thursday he changed tack and admitted a string of terror offences.

The 32-year-old used a Telegram chat group to call on supporters on October 13 to target the four-year-old heir to the throne, who had started at Thomas's Battersea, in Battersea High Street, a month earlier.

Rashid, of Leonard Street, posted a photograph of the prince at the school super-imposed with silhouettes of two masked jihad fighters.

Nearly two weeks into his trial, prosecutor Annabel Darlow said: "The defendant has asked to be re-indicted on counts one to four."

He then had three counts of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts and one count of encouraging terrorism put to him - and pleaded guilty to each.

Judge Andrew Lees told him that the trial had heard the "most disturbing allegations", adding: "It is inevitable that you will receive a very lengthy prison sentence and there will be a consideration of a life prison sentence."

Last week, prosecutor Annabel Darlow told the court "the underlying message was clear" that "Prince George and other members of the royal family should be viewed as targets".

"Even the royal family will not be left alone," Rashid messaged the group, before sharing the school's full address and postcode.

He added: "School starts early."

Rashid will be sentenced on June 28.