Stats show record numbers of young people arrested for terrorism offences

The latest data released by the Home Office has shown that 2023 had the highest number of terrorism arrests of young people since records began (11 September 2001).

19 per cent of the 219 arrests for terrorism-related offences last year were people aged 17 and under.

Following the news, Counter Terrorism Policing are appealing to the public to take action and report any concerns they have about family and friends who are being radicalised by harmful content.

Acting Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Richard Smith, said: “We take no pleasure from the increasing numbers of young people we’re seeing in our investigations and casework.

“Whilst our role is to stop anyone – no matter their age – committing terrorism offences or planning to cause harm to the public, it is truly shocking that almost one in every five of our arrests involves a young person.

“For several years now, we have warned about the risk of children and young people who are becoming involved in terrorism-related activity and the statistics released yesterday reaffirm our concerns.

“Young people susceptible to radicalisation need protection and support to prevent them being drawn into terrorism. I implore parents and guardians to pay close attention to the young people in their lives and look out for the signs that they may be viewing, sharing or even creating terrorist content.”

The stats also show that last year, there were 52 more arrests for terrorism offences than in the previous year which is an increase of 31 percent and the highest number of arrests in a single year since 2019.

Richard Smith continued: “Last year we arrested more people for terrorism offences than we have done in any of the four years previously.

"We are working at pace, day and night, to keep the public safe.

“The role of the public in our mission to the keep people safe cannot be underestimated. Please trust your instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right.

“Reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them.”