Man jailed for sharing a bomb-making manual online

An investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command has led to a 19-year-old man being jailed for sharing a bomb-making manual online.

Connor Burke pleaded guilty to disseminating a terrorist publication - linked to a manual that he had shared on a social media platform, which contained information on how to create improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The teenager from south east London also pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

He was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court to a total of 42 months’ imprisonment and an additional 12 months on licence.

Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Burke had an unhealthy interest in extreme right wing terrorist ideology, and this led to him sharing extremely dangerous material with others online. Increasingly, we’re seeing young people being drawn into extremist ideologies, some of whom – like Burke – then go on to commit serious terrorism offences.

“I would urge anyone who comes across any terrorist-related material online to report this to us. I would also ask friends and family to get in touch if they have concerns about a loved-one being drawn into any form of extreme ideology – ACT early before it’s too late.”