A 14-year-old boy has been charged with preparing terrorist acts linked to an alleged plot targeting two mosques in south London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the boy, whose identity is protected due to his age, faces charges related to “extreme right-wing terrorism” and racially aggravated property damage.

Authorities arrested the boy initially on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle on or before June 20. During the investigation, officers found documents of concern at an address in the Sutton area of south London. He has been formally charged with preparing terrorist acts associated with the two religious sites by July 9, as well as damaging a car window linked to the earlier incident.

Police have reached out to the affected mosques and said specialist officers are providing advice and support to those communities. Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, overseeing local policing in south London, acknowledged the concern among the Muslim community and emphasized ongoing efforts in partnership with local organizations to offer reassurance. He noted an increase in patrols around the targeted areas, which will continue in the coming days.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, described the case as “a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy” and highlighted a troubling rise in young people involved in extremist-related investigations. She stressed the importance of collaboration among police, educational bodies, local authorities, and safeguarding agencies to prevent youth radicalization, calling on parents, carers, and educators to remain vigilant.

The boy was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Westminster magistrates’ court. Police have stated they are not seeking additional suspects and do not believe there is a broader threat connected to this case.

This development follows recent incidents including the arrest of 12 individuals in connection with threats to an Islamic festival in Suffolk and a separate arrest for an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton, east London. Law enforcement officials continue to urge anyone with concerns to contact their local police teams.