Two teenagers suspected of alleged extreme right-wing terror offences are set to appear in court in London on Friday. The Metropolitan Police have stated that both face “extremely serious charges.”
An 18-year-old man, Rex William Henry Clark of Ilford, east London, was charged with preparation of terrorist acts, a violation of the 2006 Terrorism Act. A 19-year-old woman, Sofija Vinogradova of Cheshunt, north of London, faces charges of preparation of terrorist acts and two counts of collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism-related activities. Both individuals are currently in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The Metropolitan Police stated that their investigation “is related to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism activity.” Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, emphasized the seriousness of the charges and urged the public to refrain from speculation, allowing the judicial process to proceed without interference. He assured the public that, at this time, there is no perceived wider threat connected to the investigation, although the inquiry remains ongoing.
Recent events in England and Northern Ireland have seen far-right riots break out following the stabbing deaths of three young girls at a dance class in Southport, north west England. However, Commander Murphy clarified that the current investigation is not a direct consequence of the unrest that followed the Southport tragedy.
The woman was initially arrested on August 4 on suspicion of possessing a firearm and subsequently released on bail. She was rearrested on August 10, with the 18-year-old man also apprehended at the same location. Both were taken to a London police station for questioning.
