Teenager charged with terrorism offences

A teenage boy from North London has been charged with four terrorism offences, as part of a Met investigation into the sharing of extremist material online.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, was charged with two counts of dissemination of terrorist publications (contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006); inviting another to provide money for use in acts of terrorism (contrary to section 15 of the Terrorism Act 2000); and 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).

The boy is currently on conditional bail, and due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 27 February.

He was originally arrested in November 2023.

The Met Police reported that 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.”

Image by Franz P. Sauerteig from Pixabay