Two teenagers are set to appear in a London courtroom on charges connected to extreme right-wing terrorism, according to police sources. The individuals, an 18-year-old from London and a 19-year-old from Cheshunt, face charges related to the preparation of terrorist acts. Additionally, the 19-year-old is charged with two counts of collecting information likely to be useful for someone preparing an act of terrorism.
The Metropolitan Police emphasized that their investigation is ongoing but currently does not indicate a broader threat. Commander Dominic Murphy, who heads the counter-terrorism force at the Metropolitan Police, urged the public not to engage in speculation regarding the case.
The 19-year-old was initially arrested on August 4 on suspicion of possessing a firearm and collecting information that could be beneficial to a terrorist. Subsequently, on August 10, she was arrested again alongside the 18-year-old. Police obtained a warrant to detain both individuals.
Commander Murphy clarified that the allegations against the teenagers are not linked to the recent unrest that occurred in various parts of England and Belfast, Northern Ireland. The unrest, which began on July 30, involved violent clashes with law enforcement following the dissemination of false information online by far-right instigators. The misinformation incorrectly claimed that the suspect in a stabbing incident that resulted in the deaths of three individuals at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class was a Muslim asylum seeker.
The two teenagers are scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court for further legal proceedings.