A teenager, 14, has been charged with terrorism offences in connection with an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton, south London, the Metropolitan Police said.
The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to conduct acts of terrorism on or before July 9 2026.
He has also been charged with damaging property without lawful excuse belonging to another, intending to damage such property, namely a car window. The offence was racially aggravated, the force added.
The boy was arrested on July 9 at an address in the south London area as part of an investigation which is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London said: “This is a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy and likely to be highly concerning to the public and the local community. We know this will be particularly concerning to the Muslim community and we are working closely with the venues affected to ensure they are kept updated and to provide advice, support and reassurance, and this will continue.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn added: “We acknowledge that this will be concerning for the local Muslim community and have been working together with our local partners to provide reassurance and support and I would like to thank all those involved for their understanding.
“We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community. These charges come just days after 12 people were arrested for a suspected threat to an Islamic festival in Suffolk and a man was arrested for an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton.
“We have been working closely with our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing London throughout their investigation and we have increased patrols in the affected areas, which we will look to continue over coming days. As always, should anyone have any concerns, then they can contact us or their local police neighbourhoods team.”
The boy has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 16 July.
More to follow…
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