A 14-year-old boy has been charged with terrorism-related offences in the United Kingdom after police alleged he planned to target two mosques in south London.
Authorities say the case is linked to extreme right-wing ideology and has raised serious concerns within the local Muslim community.
London's Metropolitan Police announced on Wednesday that the unnamed 14-year-old has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts, accusing him of planning an alleged attack on two mosques in the Sutton area of south London.
The suspect is also charged with racially aggravated criminal damage after allegedly breaking a car window on or before June 20. Police said the charge relates to damage caused to a vehicle before the terrorism investigation expanded.
The teenager has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Investigation began with criminal damage arrest
According to the Metropolitan Police, the boy was initially arrested on July 9 on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle.
During a search of his address, officers discovered what they described as "a number of documents of concern." The findings prompted counter-terrorism officers to launch a wider investigation in cooperation with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Following further inquiries, the boy was charged with conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to commit acts of terrorism, allegedly linked to an extreme right-wing ideology.
Police say mosques intended targets
Investigators said the alleged terror plot involved plans to target two mosques in Sutton, south London.
The Metropolitan Police said specialist officers immediately contacted both mosques, providing security advice, reassurance and ongoing support to those affected.
Authorities stressed they do not believe there is any enduring or wider threat linked to the case and confirmed they are not seeking any additional suspects.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the allegations as deeply alarming. "This is a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy and likely to be highly concerning to the public and the local community."
She said police recognize that the case will be especially worrying for Britain's Muslim community and confirmed officers are working closely with the affected mosques to provide updates, support and reassurance.
Flanagan also expressed concern over the increasing number of young people becoming involved in counter-terrorism investigations, urging parents, teachers and others close to children to remain alert to signs that young people may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
Muslim community offered reassurance
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, who oversees policing in south London, said authorities have increased patrols in the affected areas and will continue working alongside counter-terrorism officers.
"We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community," Blackburn said.
He noted that the latest case follows several recent incidents targeting Muslims, including:
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The arrest of 12 people earlier this week over an alleged extreme right-wing plot targeting an Islamic gathering in Suffolk.
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The arrest of a man following an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton.
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Other reported incidents involving attempted firebombings, vandalism and attacks on mosques in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Blackburn, Manchester, Liverpool, Shrewsbury and east London, as well as racist riots in Belfast.
The latest case comes amid increasing concern over anti-Muslim threats across the UK.
Last month, the Muslim Council of Britain issued new national guidance urging mosques to conduct lockdown drills, strengthen coordination with police and improve CCTV coverage due to rising risks of vandalism, intimidation, threats and targeted hostility.
Police say they are committed to protecting affected communities while continuing the investigation.
