14-year-old preparing to attack 2 mosques arrested in London

A 14-year-old schoolboy accused of planning an attack targeting two mosques in South London has been charged with terrorism offences. This incident, linked to extreme right-wing terrorism, was uncovered when police searched the home of the suspect child.

The teenager was initially arrested on July 9 last year on suspicion of damaging a vehicle. The London Metropolitan Police confirms that police officers who subsequently searched his home found several suspicious documents. Following further investigations by the Crown Prosecution Service and counter-terrorism police, he has been charged with preparing for terrorist acts on or before July 9, and racially aggravated criminal damage to a car window in Sutton on or before June 20.

The target of this attack plan was two mosques located in the Sutton area. The management of the respective mosques has been informed about this, and they have already been provided with support and security from specialist officers. Police also state that no other suspects connected to this plan are currently being sought. Helen Flanagan, Head of London Counter Terrorism Police, stated that such a serious terrorism charge against such a young child is a matter of great concern to the public and the local community. She further added that since this particularly impacts the Muslim community, steps have been taken to ensure their safety. She also pointed out that the involvement of children and young people in incidents reported to the counter-terrorism unit is regrettably increasing.

Meanwhile, Nick Blackburn, the police chief responsible for the South London area, emphasized that the cumulative impact of such incidents against the Muslim community should never be underestimated. He also recalled the recent arrest of 12 individuals on charges of threatening an Islamic festival in Suffolk and an incident where a person was assaulted near a mosque in Leyton.

In light of this situation, police patrols have already been increased in the relevant areas. Given the rise in anti-Muslim attacks within the United Kingdom, a new set of national guidelines was also issued last month to all mosques in the country regarding conducting lockdown drills, strengthening relationships with the police, and upgrading CCTV camera systems.