UK police charge 14-year-old boy over alleged mosque terror plot

British police have charged a 14-year-old boy with preparing a terrorist act, allegedly targeting mosques in south London. The unnamed youth is connected to extreme right-wing ideology, according to the Metropolitan Police.

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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.

Counterterrorism policing in London described the charge as "very serious" and "highly concerning" for the public and the local community. While police do not believe the case indicates a wider threat, they have contacted the mosques in the Sutton area to offer advice and support.

Authorities are working to reassure and support the local Muslim community, acknowledging the cumulative impact of such incidents. The boy was initially arrested on July 9 for criminal damage to a car. Subsequent searches uncovered documents leading to the terrorism preparation charge. He is scheduled to appear in a London magistrates' court.

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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 incident is the latest in a series of alleged plots or attacks against Muslims in the UK. Earlier this week, 12 people were arrested for an alleged extreme right-wing plot targeting an Islamic gathering. Last month, a man was charged with attempted murder after a suspected anti-Muslim stabbing in Edinburgh.

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