A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged with an offence linked to “extreme right-wing terrorism” after police discovered an alleged plan to target two London mosques.
The child was initially arrested at an address 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 is accused of planning to target the two places of worship in Sutton, south London, which are both being supported by specialist officers.
The boy, who was arrested in the south London area, has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts on or before July 9, as well as racially aggravated damage to property by allegedly damaging a car window on or before June 20, the force said.
Police have also contacted the victim linked to the damaged vehicle which was in Sutton too.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, in charge of local policing for the south London area, said: “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.”
He added: “We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community.”
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, said they are seeing an increasing number of children and young people in their casework.
In a statement issued by the Met, she 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.”
The child, who cannot be named because of his age, has been remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The Met has been working closely with CTP London on the probe and has increased patrols in affected areas.
There is not believed to be “any enduring or wider threat” – and police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incidents, it said.
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.”
It comes after 12 people were arrested after an Islamic event had to close early due to an alleged threat from extreme right-wing terrorists.
Organisers of the the UK Ijtima event in Shrubland Hall, Suffolk, were advised to end the event earlier than planned on Sunday by police after the possible threat.
Three of the 12 suspects were arrested in Surrey on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, police said.
