A 17-year-old boy is due in court after being charged with terrorism offences, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The teenager was arrested at an address in Twickenham on Tuesday, September 24, and was taken to a west London police station under the Terrorism Act 2000. A warrant of further detention was obtained, allowing detectives to keep the suspect in custody until Tuesday, October 1, while further inquiries were conducted, including searches at two addresses in the Twickenham area.
As a result of their investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the following charges:
- One count of support of a proscribed organisation (namely ISIS), contrary to Section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
- One count of possession of a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The teenager was charged in the early hours of this morning and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Youth Court on Tuesday, October 1.
Acting Commander Gareth Rees of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “It is of deep concern that we are seeing increased numbers of young people in our counter terrorism investigations. While we won’t be commenting further on this particular case now that charges have been brought about, I would, however, urge parents, friends, and family to be mindful of the risks and dangers of radicalisation and to act early and reach out for help if they have any concerns over a loved one.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the ACT Early website at www.actearly.uk for information on how to seek help and support for anyone who may be at risk of radicalisation.
