Police have said that a 14-year-old boy from Eastleigh, in Hampshire, has been charged with plotting a terror attack.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said the boy was charged on Wednesday (June 17) with one count of preparation of terrorist acts contrary to Section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006 connected to Islamist terrorism.

CTPSE said the boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was arrested by officers from Hampshire Constabulary on Friday (June 12) and later further arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act, by counter-terrorism detectives.

He is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 18.

Full statement by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE)

A CTPSE statement said: “We know that 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.”