14-YEAR-OLD BOY CHARGED OVER ALLEGED PLOT TO TARGET LONDON MOSQUES

A 14-year-old from south London has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts following a police search that uncovered documents relating to an alleged plot targeting two mosques in the Sutton area. The boy was arrested on 9 July on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle, but officers discovered "a number of documents of concern" during a search of his home. He has also been charged with racially aggravated damage to property in connection with an alleged car window incident on or before 20 June, also in Sutton. The Metropolitan Police stated that the terrorism charge relates to extreme rightwing terrorism and that no other suspects are being sought.

Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing London, described the charge as "very serious" and noted particular concern for the Muslim community. The force said the two affected mosques had been contacted and are receiving support from specialist officers. Counter-terrorism police worked with the Crown Prosecution Service before the charges were brought. DCS Nick Blackburn, responsible for local policing in south London, stated that increased patrols have been deployed in the affected areas and will continue in coming days.

The charges follow a series of other incidents. Twelve people were arrested days earlier on suspicion of a threat to an Islamic festival in Suffolk, and a man was arrested for an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton. Blackburn said the force should not underestimate the cumulative impact of such incidents on the Muslim community.