London police have arrested a 14-year-old teenager on suspicion of planning an attack on two mosques in the Sutton area. Authorities said the case is linked to far-right extremism and that investigations are still ongoing.
The teenager was initially arrested in south London on suspicion of causing damage to a vehicle. However, subsequent searches of the location led to the discovery of several suspicious documents. According to police, these documents changed the direction of the investigation and prompted inquiries into terrorism-related offences.
Police said the teenager allegedly intended to target two mosques in the Sutton area. He remains in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The charges allege that he had been planning a terrorist attack to take place by 9 July and that he was also accused of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage.
Nick Blackburn, a senior officer with the South London policing command, said the case comes just days after 12 people were arrested on suspicion of planning to threaten an Islamic festival. He also noted that, in a separate incident, a man was arrested following an alleged attack outside a mosque in Leyton.
Blackburn stressed that repeated incidents of this nature have increased concern and psychological pressure within Muslim communities. He said the consequences of such events should not be overlooked and that addressing them remains a matter of significant importance.
Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing for London, described the case as extremely serious. She said allegations of this nature involving a 14-year-old suspect could cause widespread concern, particularly among members of the Muslim community.
Flanagan added that police have seen an increase in the number of children and teenagers involved in extremism-related cases in recent years. She said the trend serves as a warning sign for authorities and society as a whole.
The Metropolitan Police said that, throughout the investigation, they had worked closely with counter-terrorism units and had increased security patrols in relevant areas to help strengthen public confidence and safety.
However, police emphasised that there is currently no indication of a wider threat and that no other individuals are being pursued in connection with the case at this time.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
