Boy, 14, charged with plotting terror attack

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with plotting a terror attack, police said.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said the teenager of Eastleigh, in Hampshire, is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged on Wednesday with one count of preparation of terrorist acts contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006 connected to Islamist terrorism.

He was arrested by officers from Hampshire Constabulary on Friday and was later held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act by CTPSE detectives.

A CTPSE statement said: “We know that the community of Eastleigh might be concerned about this news, however Hampshire Constabulary have been working closely with colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South East on this investigation and we want to reassure you that we believe the investigation is isolated, and with no known wider risk to the community.

“If you think you have seen something suspicious that may be linked to terrorist activity have the confidence to share those concerns.

“It may be unusual behaviour in a particular place or at a particular time of day – don’t rely on others.”

Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes warned people not to speculate on social media about the case.

He tweeted: “I was briefed on this issue this afternoon and thank the police for their informative release. As they’ve said they believe this to be an isolated incident and speculation on social media is not helpful. Thank you to our police forces for their hard work.”