Teenager from Essex accused of plotting Islamist terror attack

A teenager has appeared in court accused of plotting an Islamist terror attack against serving police officers or military personnel.

Matthew King, 18, allegedly carried out surveillance at police stations, railway stations, a magistrates’ court and a British Army barracks.

King, from Essex, was arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command on May 18.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with preparing an act of terrorism between December 22, 2021 and May 17, 2022.

Prosecutors allege the plot was related to extreme Islamist beliefs and that King carried out surveillance at railway stations, police stations, Stratford Magistrates’ Court in east London and an Army barracks in East Ham, also east London.

Prosecutor Gillian Curl said that although no “specific act of terrorism” had been identified: “He was preparing for an act against either serving on-duty police officers or military personnel.”

King refused to stand in the dock as Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him in custody ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on June 10.

A 17-year-old girl was arrested in connection with the same investigation on May 20 and remains in custody.

The Met said that there is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public.

Source: Thurrock Gazette