Police report shows jump in extremism in Scotland

There has been an increase in the number of young people believed to be at risk of exploitation by extremists in Scotland, according to police figures.

A total of 28 children under the age of 15 were referred to the government’s Prevent scheme over the course of 201718, with a further 34 people aged between 15 and 20 also referred.

Prevent was set up to “stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism”, Police Scotland said.

The strategy aims to tackle all forms of extremism and terrorism, including international, Northern-Ireland related and extreme right-wing groups.

Police Scotland figures show a total of 104 people were referred to Prevent last year, up from 59 in 2016-17.

In 35 cases, it was found no further action was needed, while 66 referrals were passed on to other agencies. Three cases are said to be “ongoing”.

According to the police document, 40 of the referrals came from education bodies, including schools, universities and colleges.

The bulk of the concerns focused on “international extremism”, with “extreme right-wing” also given as a main reason for referring someone.

The report acknowledged a rise in “extreme right-wing groups” across the UK and stated an increased awareness among the public reflected the heightened number of concerns.