Boy, 14, denies plotting terror attack on two mosques

A 14-year-old boy from south London has today denied charges of preparing acts of terrorism targeting two mosques.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was originally arrested on July 9 on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle.

However, officers searching his home discovered what the Metropolitan Police described as "a number of documents of concern," prompting an investigation by counter-terrorism officers.

Following inquiries conducted by Counter Terrorism Policing London in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service, the boy was charged with preparation of terrorist acts.

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Police said the charge is linked to an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton.

His actions were motivated by "extreme right-wing terrorism", prosecutors said, as he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today, pleading not guilty to offences.

The prosecution said the mosque attacks were to take place on August 28, and the teenager also had a plan to cause criminal damage, including "bricking" and slashing tyres, in a spree nicknamed "Operation Terrorise Sutton".

Prosecutor Adam Harbinson alleged the teen had put together a manifesto inspired by Adolph Hitler, the Christchurch mosques killer Brenton Tarrant, and the neo-Nazi Anders Breivik.

The prosecution alleged the boy was arrested after a trial run of the mosque attack, during which he allegedly smashed the window of a car belonging to a black woman.

Police confirmed the two mosques identified in the investigation have been informed and are receiving ongoing support from specialist officers.

Authorities said they are not seeking any additional suspects in connection with the alleged plot.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "This is a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy and likely to be highly concerning to the public and the local 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.

"While it is deeply concerning to see someone so young charged with offences of this nature, we are sadly seeing an increasing number of children and young people in our casework."

Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, who oversees policing across south London, said the incident comes during a period of heightened concern over threats directed at Muslim communities.

"We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community," DCS Blackburn said.

The charges follow several recent incidents, including the arrest of 12 people over an alleged threat to an Islamic festival in Suffolk and the arrest of a man following an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton.

DCS Blackburn said officers have increased patrols around the affected areas and will maintain a visible police presence while the investigation continues.

The boy in question was remanded in youth detention until his next court appearance at the Old Bailey on August 21.

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