A 14-year-old youth has officially denied allegations that he planned a terrorist strike against two mosques located in south-west London. Due to his age, the individual cannot be identified publicly. Authorities claim the teenager, motivated by far-right extremist ideology, intended to target religious sites in the Sutton area.
During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the defendant entered a not guilty plea regarding charges of preparing terrorist acts prior to 9 July and causing racially motivated property damage. Prosecutors assert that the planned attack was set for 28 August and involved a scheme dubbed Operation Terrorise Sutton, which included intentions to smash windows and puncture vehicle tyres.
Prosecutor Adam Harbinson stated that the boy had authored a manifesto drawing inspiration from figures such as Adolph Hitler, Anders Breivik, and Christchurch shooter Brenton Tarrant. Law enforcement officials arrested the teen following a supposed practice run of the assault, during which he allegedly broke the window of a car owned by a black woman. The youth remains in detention and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 21 August.
