13-Year-Old Boy Arrested in West London Terror Probe
A 13-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday, 17 May, in west London over suspicions of spreading terrorist material online. The teen was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and taken into custody before being bailed until mid-June.
Raids and Investigation Underway
Police secured a PACE warrant and searched the boy’s home as part of the probe into alleged dissemination of extreme Islamist content. Officers are working closely with safeguarding agencies to protect vulnerable youngsters from radicalisation.
Met Commander Sounds Alarm on Rising Youth Terror Risk
“While it is still very rare for such a young person to be arrested for a terrorism offence, in recent times we have seen a worrying increase in the number of teenagers being drawn into terrorism,” said Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“We work closely with partners to protect and divert young people away from extremism. The public have an important part to play in spotting the signs early.”
Public Urged to Report Signs of Radicalisation
- If you suspect someone is at risk of radicalisation, ACT Early. Visit 123 or call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.
- In an emergency, always dial 999.
Communities play a crucial role in defeating terrorism — your information can save lives.
