A 14-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence after allegedly plotting to attack two mosques in London. Metropolitan Police officers arrested the teenager at an address in south London, with Counter Terrorism Policing now leading the investigation into his alleged plans, motives and online activity.
The case first emerged following an unrelated incident of criminal damage to a vehicle in Sutton on 20 June, which led detectives to uncover the alleged terror plot during their subsequent investigation. That earlier inquiry ultimately resulted in the boy being charged with a terrorism offence over the alleged plan to target the two mosques.
Investigation ongoing into wider involvement
Counter Terrorism Policing officers are continuing their enquiries into the teenager’s alleged motives and planning, as well as examining his online activity as part of the investigation. Police are also working to establish whether any other individuals may have been involved in the alleged plot.
Boy remanded in custody
The 14-year-old has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before the appropriate court. Police have said there is no wider threat to the public linked to the case at this stage.
