PROSECUTORS said that a gang accused of plotting to blow up New York synagogues expressed disappointment that the World Trade Centre was no longer around to attack.

The FBI arrested four men on Wednesday night in connection to an alleged plan to detonate bombs outside two Jewish centres in the Bronx and to shoot down military planes.

Assistant US Attorney Eric Snyder said the defendants were "eager to bring death to Jews", quoting one as saying: "I would like to get a synagogue."

Three of the accused appeared at a court in New York State, charged with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction within the United States and conspiracy to acquire and use anti-aircraft missiles. The men appeared in shackles, preventing them to raise their hands while swearing an oath.

Defence lawyers did not seek bail. The fourth alleged plotter is expected to appear in court today.

The men, named by the US attorney's office as James Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams and Laguerre Payen, were arrested after a long-running undercover operation which began in Newburgh, New York.

It is alleged that they planned to detonate plastic explosives outside two temples in the Bronx and to shoot military planes at the New York Air National Guard base at Stewart Airport in Newburgh with Stinger surface-to-air guided missiles.