A 14-year-old boy has been charged with preparing terrorist acts linked to extreme right-wing terrorism, allegedly targeting two mosques in south London. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday after being remanded in custody.
Arrest and Initial Suspicion
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested at a home in south London on Thursday. Initially, officers detained him on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle in Sutton the previous week. However, during a search of the address, police discovered 'documents of concern,' leading to further arrest on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.
Police Response and Community Support
The Metropolitan Police have contacted the affected mosques and are providing support through specialist officers. Officers have also been in touch with the victim of the damaged vehicle. Police have stated there is no enduring or wider threat, and they are not seeking any other individuals.
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.'
Broader Context of Recent Incidents
DCS Nick Blackburn, in charge of local policing for the south London area, acknowledged the concern for the local Muslim community. He added: '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.'
Increasing Cases Involving Young People
Commander Flanagan noted the worrying trend of young individuals involved in terrorism cases: 'While it is deeply concerning to see someone so young charged with offences of this nature, we are sadly seeing an increasing number of children and young people in our casework. 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.'
