A 14-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence after police uncovered what they allege was a plan to target two mosques in south London, prompting increased security measures and renewed concern over youth radicalisation. The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been charged with preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The Metropolitan Police said the case is linked to alleged extreme right-wing terrorism. Routine Arrest Uncovers Terror Investigation The investigation began when officers arrested the boy at a south London address on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle. During searches, police said they discovered "a number of documents of concern", leading counter-terrorism officers to become involved. The teenager was subsequently charged over an alleged plan to target two mosques in the Sutton area and has been remanded into custody. Communities Reassured as Patrols Increase Police said both mosques have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers, while extra patrols have been deployed across the area to provide reassurance. The Met stressed there is no evidence of a wider or continuing threat, adding that detectives are not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation. Warning Over Rising Youth Extremism Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn acknowledged the case would cause understandable concern within the local Muslim community, warning against underestimating the cumulative impact of such incidents. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the allegations as "very serious" and said investigators are dealing with an increasing number of children and young people becoming involved in extremist ideologies. Court Appearance Set The teenager has also been charged with racially aggravated criminal damage after allegedly damaging a vehicle in Sutton on or before 20 June. He is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 16 July. Police are urging parents, teachers and carers to report concerns about potential radicalisation at an early stage, saying timely intervention can help prevent vulnerable young people from becoming involved in extremist activity. Boy, 14, charged with terror offence over 'plan to target mosques'
Create an account or sign in to comment