The teenager was initially arrested for criminal damage but police discovered 'documents of concern' which led to the terrorism charge

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence after plotting to attack two London mosques.

The Metropolitan Police arrested the teenager today at an address in south London.

The boy was initially arrested on suspicion of criminal damage of a vehicle, which occurred on June 20 in the Sutton area, London.

On inspection of the property, the police found a number of documents of concern.

The 14-year-old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, preparation of terrorist acts, linked to extreme right-wing terrorism.

Following further enquiries, the boy has been charged with racially aggravated criminal damage and the preparation of terrorist acts.

The terrorism charge relates to an alleged plot to attack two mosques in the Sutton area.

Police have contacted the mosques which were targeted by the plot, with specialist officers providing ongoing advice.

Officers have also been in contact with the victim whose car was damaged.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Police 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, who is in charge of local policing for the south London area echoed Commander Flanagan's comments, saying the police are working to "provide reassurance and support" to the community.

He added: "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 been working closely with our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing London throughout their investigation and 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 it was "deeply concerning" that someone so young was being charged with a serious terrorism offence.

However, she said the police are "seeing an increasing number of children and young people" in their casework.

She added: "We continue to work with partners across policing, education, local authorities and safeguarding agencies to help prevent young people becoming involved in extremist ideologies and criminality.

"However, parents, carers, teachers and others who work with young people also have an important role to play.

“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."