British minor arrested after allegedly planning 'extreme right-wing' terror attacks on two mosques

A 14-year-old boy in London has been indicted on suspicion of planning terror attacks targeting two mosques in the Sutton area of South London. The Metropolitan Police announced the charges on Wednesday, stating that "documents of concern" were discovered during a search of the minor's home.

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This is a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy and likely to be highly concerning to the public and the local community.

The initial arrest was for damaging a vehicle, an offense described by police as "racially aggravated." Commander Helen Flanagan, head of the London Counter Terrorism Policing unit, called the charge "very serious" and likely to be "highly concerning to the public and the local community." She emphasized that the police are working closely with the affected mosques to provide support and reassurance.

Flanagan also noted an increase in minors involved in criminal activities and urged parents and educators to be vigilant for signs of radicalization. Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn added that this incident follows several other Islamophobic cases, including threats against an Islamic festival and an alleged assault outside a mosque, underscoring the cumulative impact on the Muslim community.

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We know this will be particularly concerning to the Muslim community and we are working closely with the venues affected to ensure they are kept updated and to provide advice, support and reassurance, and this will continue.

The indictment includes charges of planning acts of "extreme right-wing terrorism" and intentionally breaking a car window. The police are continuing to work with community venues to ensure they are updated and supported.

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We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community.