Letters between Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda commanders about terror plots in the West have been revealed for the first time.

The correspondence between the killed terrorist leader and the groups' senior operatives were presented during the New York trial of a man accused of plotting multiple attacks in Britain.

Prosecutors claim Pakistani student Abid Naseer planned attacks on targets in Manchester, New York and Copenhagen.

Sky News reports that the evidence revealed on Wednesday was part of a "treasure trove" of al Qaeda material seized during the US special forces raid on Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound in May 2011.

Letters between the terror leader and his chiefs of external operations provided updates on plots to carry out attacks against the West and its allies.

One letter provided details on a plan to send attackers to the UK and Russia.

Prosecutors said the correspondence refers directly to Naseer, who they allege was sent to Manchester to select a target and carry out an attack.

The 28-year-old, who was extradited to the US in 2013, has denied the charges.

He is representing himself in court.