Teenager charged with four terrorism offences following Met investigation

A 17-year-old is due to appear in court charged with terrorism offences as part of a Met investigation into the sharing of extremist material online.

The boy from north London, who cannot be named because of his age, was charged on Thursday, 8 February with the following offences:

- Two counts of dissemination of terrorist publications (contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006);

- Invited another to provide money for use in acts of terrorism (contrary to section 15 of the Terrorism Act 2000);

- Possessing 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).

He is on conditional police bail, and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 27 February.

The boy was arrested in November 2023.

The investigation relates to Islamist terrorism, and it is not linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Detective Chief Superintendent Hayley Sewart of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “It is saddening and concerning that increasing numbers of young people are being arrested and, as in this case, charged with terrorism offences.

“Counter Terrorism Policing works hard with partners to steer young people away from extremism, and that is why we continually urge the public to report concerns they have about suspected extremism or terrorism activity.

“If you have concerns that a friend or loved one is being drawn into extremism or terrorism, tell police. The information we get from the public is vital to our investigations, and your call could save lives.”

Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/act or call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.

Visit the ACT Early website to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised - https://actearly.uk/.