Key facts
- A 14-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence.
- The alleged plot targeted two mosques in south London.
- The boy was also charged with racially aggravated damage to property.
- Counter-terrorism police are supporting the affected mosques.
A 14-year-old boy from south London has been charged with offences linked to extreme rightwing terrorism after police uncovered an alleged plot to target two mosques in the Sutton area. The boy was initially arrested on July 9 on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle, but officers found "a number of documents of concern" at his address. The terrorism charge relates to the alleged plan, and he also faces a charge of racially aggravated damage to property for allegedly damaging a car window on or before June 20. Counter-terrorism police are working with the Crown Prosecution Service, and the affected mosques are being supported by specialist officers. Authorities stated they are not looking for any other suspects in connection to the plot. Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, described the charge as very serious and concerning, particularly for the Muslim community, noting an increasing number of young people involved in such cases. DCS Nick Blackburn highlighted the cumulative impact of such incidents on the Muslim community and mentioned increased patrols in affected areas, following other recent incidents targeting Muslim communities.