A boy aged 14 has been charged with a terrorism offence in connection with an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton, south London, the Metropolitan Police said.
The boy, 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 initially arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle, but officers searching the location found “a number of documents of concern”, the Metropolitan Police said.
He 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 Counter Terrorism Policing 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.”
Ms Flanagan added: “We continue to work with partners across policing, education, local authorities and safeguarding agencies to help prevent young people becoming involved in extremist ideologies and criminality.
“However, parents, carers, teachers and others who work with young people also have an important role to play.
“If you’re concerned that a child or young person may be vulnerable to radicalisation, we would urge you to seek support and contact ACT Early.
“Early intervention can make a significant difference and help prevent individuals from coming to harm or becoming involved in criminal activity.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn said: “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.”
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