16/08/24

Two teenagers charged with terrorism offences

Two teenagers have been charged with terrorism offences after an investigation into suspected extreme right-wing activity.

Rex Clark, 18, and Sofija Vinogradova, 19, are both charged with preparation of terrorist acts, the Metropolitan Police said.

Vinogradova, from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is also charged with two counts of collection of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Dominic Murphy, head of the Met Police's counter-terrorism command, said the charges are not related to the disorder seen across the country after the Southport stabbings.

He added: "I want to reassure the public that at this time we do not believe that there is any wider threat related to this investigation, although our investigation very much continues."

Vinogradova was first arrested on 4 August on suspicion of possession of a firearm and collection of information likely to be of use to a terrorist.

After a search of a property in Cheshunt, she was released on bail.

She was rearrested again on 10 August at the same address and Clark, from Ilford, east London, was also arrested.

The pair are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today (16/08/2024).