Anzac Day terror alert as boy, 14, arrested
A BOY aged 14 has been arrested in Britain over an alleged terror plot in Australia as police in London announced a review of security for Anzac Day.
The teenager was held in Blackburn on Saturday on suspicion of planning terror offences, Greater Manchester Police said. Detectives from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit uncovered communication bet ween the 14-year-old and a man in Australia.
The development came after Australian police arrested five teenagers in connection with an alleged plot to mount an Islamic State-inspired attack to target police and the Anzac remem- brance ceremony next Saturday. Greater Manchester Police said the boy was held on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism but there was no imminent threat to the UK.
A spokesman said officers had passed information to Australian authorities. In London, the Met said it was reviewing security for Anzac Day events.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said it was a “sensible precaution” to ensure the events were “safe and secure”. He said: “While there is no information to suggest a specific threat to related events in the UK — and the current UK threat level remains unchanged — the public should remain vigilant.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole, from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, said: “We have uncovered communication between an individual in the North-West and a man in Australia to what we believe is a credible terrorist threat.
“As soon as this information came to light we acted quickly with the relevant authorities here and abroad and this has resulted with officers from the NWCTU arresting a teenager. The nature of the communication is currently under full assessment.
“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. 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. We have the ability to engage and support individuals where necessary.”
Counter terrorism officers executed a warrant at an address in Blackburn on April 2 following the examination of a number of electronic devices.
The teenager was held then on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism. He was further arrested on Saturday on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and remains in custody.