A major counter-terrorism investigation in Southampton has led to a teenager being charged with serious terrorism offences, Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed.
The 17-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, was arrested during a pre-planned raid at a residential address in the Southampton area. The operation was conducted by officers from the South East Counter Terrorism Policing unit.
He now faces a single charge of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. This is a grave offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.
The arrest and subsequent charge are the result of a complex investigation into suspected terrorist activity. A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary stated that the operation was intelligence-led and that there is no believed to be any ongoing threat to the wider public in connection with this specific case.
The accused teenager was remanded in custody and appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court for a preliminary hearing. The legal proceedings are now underway, and the case is expected to be progressed to a higher court.
Authorities have emphasised that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Police have also conducted searches at the associated property as part of their evidence-gathering process.
