Overview
- The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London charged an unnamed 14-year-old on Wednesday, July 15, with preparing terrorist acts under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and with racially aggravated criminal damage.
- Officers first linked the suspect to criminal damage to a car window in Sutton on June 20 before arresting him at a south London address on Thursday, July 9, and finding a number of documents of concern during a search.
- Police say the terrorism charge relates to an alleged plan to target two mosques in the Sutton area and that the mosques and the vehicle owner have been contacted with specialist officers providing ongoing advice and support.
- Authorities say they are not seeking any other suspects, they do not believe there is a wider or enduring threat, and the boy has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 16.
- Commanders framed the case as part of growing extremism casework involving children and urged parents, schools and local agencies to use the ACT Early referral route as part of prevention and safeguarding efforts.