Latest data has revealed the number of teenagers being arrested by police for terrorism-related offences is rising in the UK. Home Office statistics have shown that there were 190 counter terrorism arrests in the last year to September.
Children under 18 years of age made up 16 per cent (31 reports) of the total number of arrests made. This is a three per cent increase from the previous year.
In light of the data, Counter Terrorism Policing are urging people to be 'vigilant' in their online lives and say they are 'concerned' about the influence online content is having on those arrested.
READ MORE 'My 48 hours from hell in A&E - patients had to club together to buy loaf of bread for the ward'
Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Tim Jacques said: “We are concerned about the powerful adverse influence that online content is having on individuals who end up in our counter terrorism casework.
“The reality is that dangerous and extremist content shared online, is making it easier for individuals to self-radicalise, which in turn is driving the ever-evolving threat. This risk is increasingly manifesting itself in the younger age groups, where it can take potentially deeper hold.
“The nature of some of this material means people may well find themselves the subject of one of our investigations if they engage with such horrific online content regardless of their intentions”.
The UK’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) work to tackle the proliferation of terrorist content and material online. Launched in 2010, the unit works with internet service providers and tech companies to have extremist content removed.
Since then, the unit has launched thousands of investigations, with its structure replicated by numerous international law enforcement partners across the globe.
Mr Jacques added: “We often remind the public to be vigilant when they are out and about in their communities, but it’s crucial that people stay alert in online spaces too.
“As the time we spend on our devices increased, so must our vigilance – if you see footage, videos, images or posts that don’t feel right, then report them so we can take action.
“If you’re worried about someone you know, whether they’re a younger person in your family, or anyone else being influenced in a concerning way, then I would urge you to seek support. There is always someone who can listen and help stop someone taking a dangerous path.”
If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right report it at gov.uk/ACT
Read today's top stories here.
Read next:
- Manchester hotel named among "100 best places to stay in 2023"
- The new Manchester hotel in an "amazing location" with rooms from £75 a night
- Ambitious three-storey restaurant planned at iconic location in Manchester
- Famous London bakery Gail's to open first north west store
- Manchester's best small gigs in November 2022
