Court hears how teen’s ‘manifesto’ for ‘Operation Terrorise Sutton’ was inspired by Adolf Hitler and Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Breivik
A 14-year-old boy from south London appeared in court today charged with terrorism offences, after evidence was found at his home linked to the extreme far-right that led police to believe he was preparing to target two mosques in Sutton.
The boy, who is too young to be named, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was remanded in youth custody until a further court appearance at the Old Bailey on August 21.
The boy was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle, which occurred in the Sutton area on June 20.
Officers carried out a search of the boy’s address, where they found “a number of documents of concern”.
In court today, Crown prosecutor Adam Harbinson alleged that the teen had put together a “manifesto” inspired by Adolf Hitler, Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Breivik and the Christchurch mosques killer Brenton Tarrant.
The prosecution alleges the mosque attacks were to take place on August 28, amid plans to cause criminal damage including “bricking” and slashing tyres, which was named Operation Terrorise Sutton.
The prosecution alleged the boy was arrested after a trial run of the mosque attack, during which it said he smashed the window of a car belonging to a black woman.
The boy was arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 – preparation of terrorist acts – “linked to extreme right-wing terrorism”, the police said.
Scotland Yard said: “A warrant of further detention was obtained on Saturday, July 11, and after carrying out further enquiries, and liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service, the boy was charged with two offences.”
The charges are:
- On or before 9 July 2026, engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to conduct acts of terrorism contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act, 2006
- On or before 20 June 2026 without lawful excuse damaged property belonging to another, intending to damage such property (a car window) and the offence was racially aggravated, contrary to Section 30 of the Crime and Disorder Act, 1998.
“The terrorism charge relates to an alleged plan to target two mosques in the Sutton area,” the Met said.
“The mosques affected have been contacted by police and are being provided with ongoing advice and support by specialist officers,” the Met said.
“Officers have also been in contact with the victim in relation to the damaged vehicle. There is not believed to be any enduring or wider threat in relation to this matter and police are not seeking any other people in connection with this investigation.”
There are three mosques or Islamic centres in Sutton, with one of them established over 40 years.
Commander Helen Flanagan, the head of counter-terrorism for London, said: “This is a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy and likely to be highly concerning to the public and the local community. We know this will be particularly concerning to the Muslim community and we are working closely with the venues affected to ensure they are kept updated and to provide advice, support and reassurance, and this will continue.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, the borough commander from Sutton, Croydon and Bromley, said: “We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community. These charges come just days after 12 people were arrested for a suspected threat to an Islamic festival in Suffolk and a man was arrested for an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton.
“We have increased patrols in the affected areas, which we will look to continue over coming days. As always, should anyone have any concerns, then they can contact us or their local police neighbourhoods team.”
Commander Flanagan said: “While it is deeply concerning to see someone so young charged with offences of this nature, we are sadly seeing an increasing number of children and young people in our casework.
“If you’re concerned that a child or young person may be vulnerable to radicalisation, we would urge you to seek support and contact ACT Early. Early intervention can make a significant difference and help prevent individuals from coming to harm or becoming involved in criminal activity.”
If you are worried about someone, then visit the ACT Early website – actearly.uk – or call the Act Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to speak with specially trained officers.
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