Seven juveniles with alleged ‘violent extremist ideology’ arrested in Sydney counter-terror raids

The police scene at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Sydney’s Wakley after the stabbing attack last week. Photograph: Jaimi Joy/Reuters

Seven juveniles have been arrested as part of extensive counter-terrorism raids across south-western Sydney, with police alleging they adhere to a “religiously motivated violent extremist ideology”.

New South Wales police said 13 search warrants were executed on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of seven “juveniles” including 15, 16 and 17-year-olds. Five others are assisting police with their inquiries.