Fourteen-year-old boy from Hampshire charged with plotting terror attack

Teenager, from Eastleigh, facing one count of preparation of terrorist acts connected to Islamist terrorism

File image. (iStock/Getty)

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with plotting a terror attack.

The teenager, from Eastleigh, in Hampshire, has been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts connected to Islamist terrorism.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) say the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, was initially arrested by officers from Hampshire Constabulary on 12 June.

He was later further arrested under the Terrorism Act by CTPSE detectives and charged on Wednesday evening.

He is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

CTPSE said it believed the incident was “isolated”, with no wider risk to the community.

It added in a statement: “We know the community of Eastleigh might be concerned about this news, however Hampshire Constabulary have been working closely with colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South East on this investigation and we want to reassure you that we believe the investigation is isolated, and with no known wider risk to the community.

“If you think you have seen something suspicious that may be linked to terrorist activity have the confidence to share those concerns.

“It may be unusual behaviour in a particular place or at a particular time of day – don’t rely on others.

“If you suspect it, report it by visiting www.gov.uk/ACT or by telephoning 0800 789 321.”