The Met is asking Londoners to remain vigilant after a teenager was arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism investigation.
The 17-year-old male was arrested by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command as part of a proactive investigation linked to online terrorist content.
He was arrested at a residential address in north London on Thursday, 16 November on suspicion of a number of terrorism offences, namely:
– Being involved in the encouragement of terrorism contrary to section 1 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006;
– Dissemination of terrorist publications contrary to section 2 TACT 2006;
– Arranging availability of money or other property for the purposes of terrorism contrary to section 17 TACT, 2000;
– Possessing a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism contrary to section 58 TACT, 2000.
He was taken to a south London police station and was later released on bail to a date in February 2024 pending further enquiries.
Two police officers in central London
The investigation relates to Islamist terrorism, but it is not linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dominic Murphy said:
“This is another case where a teenager has been arrested on suspicion of what are serious terrorism offences, and we remain very concerned about the increasing numbers of young people we’re seeing feature in our investigations.
“We have officers working around the clock to counter the threat from terrorism, but the public can also play a big part as well.
“I would urge all Londoners – particularly as we now enter the festive season – to be vigilant when they are out and about in the Capital over the coming days and weeks.
“Please report anything that doesn’t look or feel right to us. Your call won’t ruin any lives, but it could help to save them.”
If you see something that doesn’t feel right you can report online or call police to talk through your concerns in confidence on 0800 789 321.
In an emergency, always call 999.