UK teenager held over Oz terror plot

London, April 20

A 14-year-old British boy has been arrested in connection with an alleged terror plot at a World War I centenary event in Australia.

Greater Manchester Police said the boy was first detained on April 2 on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism after they had uncovered a “credible terrorist threat”.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole, from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU), said: “We are continuing to work closely with the police in Australia and Lancashire and I want to reassure the public that we have not uncovered an imminent attack in the UK and there is no immediate threat towards the communities of Lancashire, the North West and the UK.

“It is important to remind communities and families to bring to our attention anyone they perceive may be vulnerable or in danger of escalating towards terrorism,” Mole said.

As part of the investigation officers from NWCTU, working with Lancashire Police, authorities uncovered communication between a teenager in Blackburn and a man in Australia.

The boy was then detained on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and questioned. — PTI