Boy denies plotting terrorist attack on mosques

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Boy denies plotting terrorist attack on mosquesImage source, PA MediaPublished16 July 2026, 13:03 BSTUpdated 20 minutes agoA 14-year-old boy has denied plotting a terrorist attack on two south-west London mosques. The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of planning to target two places of worship in Sutton, with his actions motivated by "extreme right-wing terrorism", prosecutors said. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he pleaded not guilty to the preparation of terrorist acts on or before 9 July, and racially aggravated damage to property.

The prosecution alleges the mosque attacks were to take place on 28 August and the teenager also had a plan to cause criminal damage including "bricking" and slashing tyres, which was nicknamed Operation Terrorise Sutton. Prosecutor Adam Harbinson alleged the teen had put together a manifesto inspired by Adolph Hitler, the Christchurch mosques killer Brenton Tarrant and the neo-nazi Anders Breivik. 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 remanded in youth detention until his next court appearance on 21 August at the Old Bailey. Listen to the best of Radio London on Sounds and follow London on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to hello.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.