Boy, 14 charged with terror offence over alleged plan to target mosques in London
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with terrorism offenses in connection with a plot to target two mosques in Sutton, south London, the Metropolitan Police said.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with engaging in preparatory conduct to carry out an intention to commit terrorist acts on or before July 9, 2026.
He was also charged with damaging someone else’s property, namely a car window, with intent to cause damage without lawful excuse. Police added that the crime was racially aggravated.
The Metropolitan Police said the boy was initially arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle, but officers searching the area found “a number of worrying documents”.
He was arrested at an address in south London on 9 July as part of an investigation by London Counter Terrorism Police.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of London Counter Terrorism Police, said: “This is a very serious charge of terrorism against a young boy and is likely to be extremely concerning to the public and local community.
“We know this will be of particular concern to the Muslim community and we are working closely with affected venues to ensure they are kept up to date and provide advice, support and reassurance, and this will continue.”
Ms Flanagan added: “We continue to work with partners from the police, education, local authorities and safeguarding agencies to help prevent young people becoming involved in extremist ideologies and crime.
“But parents, carers, teachers and others who work with young people also have important roles to play.
“If you are concerned that a child or young person may be vulnerable to radicalisation, we urge you to seek support and contact ACT Early.
“Early intervention can make a significant difference and help prevent individuals from harm or involvement in criminal activity.”
Detective Superintendent Nick Blackburn said: “We recognize this will be concerning for the local Muslim community and we are working with our local partners to provide reassurance and support and I would like to thank everyone involved for their understanding.
“We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of such events on the Muslim community.
“These charges come just days after 12 people were arrested on suspicion of threatening an Islamic festival in Suffolk and a man was arrested for alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton.
“We have been working closely with our colleagues at London Counter Terrorism Police throughout their investigation and have increased patrols in the affected areas and plan to continue doing so in the coming days.
“As always if anyone has concerns they can contact us or their local police neighborhood team.”
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