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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Helen William

Boy, 14, denies planning terror attacks on two mosques

The teenager appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London - (PA Archive)

A 14 year-old boy has denied planning a terrorist attack on two mosques in south-west London.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with an offence linked to “extreme right-wing terrorism” after police discovered an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton, south London.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London, sitting as a youth court, on Thursday, where he denied two charges.

The boy, who was arrested in the south London area, pleaded not guilty to a charge of preparation of terrorist acts on or before 9July, where it is said he identified targets, conducted reconnaissance, identified a weapon and collected instructional material, in preparation for giving effect to an intention to conduct acts of terrorism, namely killing people at mosques in Sutton.

He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing racially aggravated damage to property by allegedly damaging a car window on or before 20 June.

The court heard the mosque attacks were to take place on 28 August and he was motivated by “an extreme right-wing ideology”.

He also allegedly had a plan to cause criminal damage, including “bricking” and slashing tyres, which was nicknamed Operation Terrorise Sutton.

The boy was remanded to youth detention for his next appearance in custody at the Old Bailey on 21 August.

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