Fourteen-year-old boy charged over alleged plot targeting London mosques | Islamophobia News
14-Year-Old Charged with Terrorism in Suspected Right-Wing Plot
By Al Jazeera Staff
Published July 15, 2026
LONDON — A 14-year-old boy has been charged with preparing to commit an act of terrorism related to alleged plans to target local mosques in south London, according to authorities.
The Metropolitan Police announced the charge on Wednesday, stating the unnamed suspect is linked to extreme right-wing ideology. Helen Flanagan, head of counterterrorism policing in London, described the charge as “very serious” and expressed concern for the public and local community.
“This is likely to be highly concerning to the public and the local community,” Flanagan said. She noted that while police do not believe the case indicates a broader threat, they are proactively engaging with the mosques in the Sutton area to offer support and guidance.
“We know this will be particularly concerning to the Muslim community,” Flanagan added. “We are working closely with the venues affected to ensure they are kept updated and to provide advice, support, and reassurance.”
The boy was initially arrested on July 9 in connection with criminal damage to a vehicle. Subsequent searches revealed documents that led to the terrorism charge, categorized as “conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to conduct acts of terrorism.”
He is scheduled to appear before a magistrates’ court in London on Thursday.
This incident is part of a pattern of alleged plots and attacks targeting Muslims in the United Kingdom. Earlier this week, 12 individuals were arrested in connection with a suspected right-wing plot aimed at an Islamic gathering in Suffolk. Additionally, last month in Edinburgh, a man was charged with attempted murder following a suspected anti-Muslim stabbing incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, responsible for policing in south London, emphasized the importance of providing reassurance and support to the local Muslim community in the wake of this latest development.
“We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community,” Blackburn said.
