A 14-year-old boy from south London has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts linked to extreme right-wing terrorism after police say a search of his home uncovered an alleged plot targeting two mosques.
British police have charged a 14-year-old boy over an alleged plot to target mosques in London, according to Al Jazeera and the Guardian. The suspect has been charged with “preparation of terrorist acts” linked to extreme right-wing terrorism, according to British police.
The boy, who is from south London, was first arrested on 9 July on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle, the Guardian reported. Officers who were dispatched to his address subsequently found “a number of documents of concern” during a search, according to the Metropolitan police.
Those documents were connected to an alleged plot to target two mosques, the Guardian said. The charge against the boy is linked to “extreme rightwing terrorism”.
According to the Guardian, police are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the case. The reporting does not identify the boy, in line with legal restrictions that typically apply to minors.
The case underscores continued concern among British authorities about extreme right-wing terrorism, which is cited directly in the charge brought against the suspect. Beyond the details confirmed by police and reported by the two outlets, further information about the alleged plot has not been made public.
Why it matters
The charging of a 14-year-old over an alleged plot targeting places of worship highlights ongoing concerns about extreme right-wing radicalisation and the involvement of minors. Attacks on mosques would affect community safety and religious freedom, making the case of significant public interest.