Boy, 14, charged with terror offence over 'plot to target mosques' in south London

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with terrorism over an alleged plot to target two London mosques.

The teenager, who was detained in south London last Thursday, 9 July, was initially arrested on suspicion of criminal damage of a vehicle, police said.

But following a search, officers discovered a "number of documents of concern" and arrested him on suspicion of an offence under the terrorism act "linked to extreme right-wing terrorism", a Met spokesperson said.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, has now been charged with an offence of preparing acts of terrorism in the Sutton area of south London.

He has also been charged with an alleged "racially aggravated" criminal damage offence.

The Met Police said: "The terrorism charge relates to an alleged plan to target two mosques in the Sutton area.

"The mosques affected have been contacted by police and are being provided with ongoing advice and support by specialist officers.

"Officers have also been in contact with the victim in relation to the damaged vehicle."

A spokesperson for the force added: "There is not believed to be any enduring or wider threat in relation to this matter and police are not seeking any other people in connection with this investigation."

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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.

"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."

She added: "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."

The boy has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

(c) Sky News 2026: Boy, 14, charged with terror offence over 'plot to target mosques' in south London