Boy, 14, denies planning terror attacks on two Sutton mosques

A 14-year-old boy has denied planning a terrorist attack on two mosques in south-west London.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with an offense linked to “far-right terrorism” after police discovered an alleged plot to target two mosques in Sutton, south London.

He made a youth court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London on Thursday, where he denied two charges.

The boy, who was arrested in the south London area, pleaded not guilty to a charge of preparation for terrorist acts, where he was said to have identified targets, carried out reconnaissance, identified a weapon and collected educational material in preparation for carrying out an intention to carry out terrorist acts, such as killing people at mosques in Sutton, on or before July 9.

He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of racially aggravated damage to property for allegedly damaging a car window on or before June 20.

The court heard the mosque attacks took place on August 28 and were motivated by a “far-right ideology”.

There was also an alleged plot to cause criminal damage, including “laying bricks” and slashing tyres, dubbed Operation Terrorize Sutton.

The boy was remanded into youth custody for his next appearance at the Old Bailey on 21 August.