A 14-year-old boy's arrest has sent shockwaves through a south London community after he was charged with offences linked to extreme right-wing terrorism. According to police, the teenager allegedly planned to target two mosques in Sutton, sparking widespread concern and alarm.
The investigation began when officers initially took the boy into custody on suspicion of criminal damage. However, during a subsequent search of an address, they discovered "a number of documents of concern", which significantly escalated the probe and led to more serious charges being brought.
Formal charges against the boy include preparation of terrorist acts, allegedly committed on or before 9 July, as well as racially aggravated damage to property for damaging a car window on or before 20 June. The latter charge specifically relates to an incident that predates the alleged terrorism plot.
Commander Helen Flanagan described the situation as "a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy", highlighting the gravity of the allegations and their profound impact on the local community, particularly the Muslim population directly affected by the alleged plans. She noted the charges are "particularly concerning" to those impacted.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that specialist officers have been in contact with the mosques reportedly targeted by the alleged plot, providing ongoing advice and support to reassure and assist the establishments and their communities in the wake of these serious allegations.