A 14-year-old boy from south London has been charged with a terrorism offence related to extreme right-wing ideology for an alleged plot to attack two mosques in the Sutton area of south London [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The boy was first arrested on July 9, 2026, on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle. During police searches, documents were found that led to the terrorism charge [1, 2, 3, 5].
The terrorism charge involves "conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to conduct acts of terrorism" connected to extreme right-wing beliefs. He also faces a separate charge of racially aggravated criminal damage for damaging a car window on or before June 20 in Sutton [1, 2, 3, 5].
Police say they do not believe there is a wider or ongoing threat and are not seeking other suspects. The mosques thought to have been targeted have been contacted by police and are receiving specialist support and security advice [1, 2, 3, 5].
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" [1]. She added, "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" [2].
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn noted, "We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community" [3].
Officials have reassured the Muslim community and offered ongoing support and advice amid growing concerns. Counter-terrorism police also said there has been an increase in cases involving children and young people in terror investigations recently [2].
The boy is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 16, 2026 [3, 5].
