Two Held Over Terror Plot in East London and Hertfordshire
An 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were charged with terror-related offences on Thursday, 15 August.
Serious Terror Charges Laid
- Rex William Henry Clark from Ilford, East London, faces charges of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
- Sofija Vinogradova from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is charged with the same offence plus two counts of collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism, under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Both suspects remain in custody and are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 August.
Investigation Linked to Extreme Right-Wing Activity
The probe is connected to alleged extreme right-wing terrorism. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, warned the public:
“These are extremely serious charges, but I would urge the public not to speculate any further about this case and allow the criminal justice process to run its course unimpeded.”
“At this time, we do not believe there is any wider threat related to this investigation, though it continues.”
“This investigation is separate from unrest across the country following the events in Southport.”
Background: Arrests and Police Action
- On 4 August, officers arrested Vinogradova at her Cheshunt home, suspecting possession of a firearm and gathering information useful to terrorists.
- She was taken to a London police station, then released on bail pending further enquiries.
- On 10 August, both Vinogradova and Clark were re-arrested at the same address in Cheshunt.
- Police also searched a second property in Ilford.
- Both suspects were detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, with detention extended until 17 August following a court order.
- After liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service, charges were authorised.
The Met urges the public to stay calm and allow the legal process to continue without speculation.
