Islamist, 15, ‘wanted to attack Isle of Wight pop festival’

A TEENAGER planned an Islamic State- inspired terrorist attack after researching the Isle of Wight Festival as a potential target, a court heard.

The 15-year-old boy had a knife in his rucksack when he was arrested by counter-terrorism police last Monday after a tip-off from the FBI, which said he was planning to attack a nonbeliever he thought had insulted Islam, Westminster magistrates’ court heard.

The boy, from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, appeared in the dock yesterday to deny a charge of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Prosecutors say he researched targets at the music festival, which was held between June 16 and 19 and was attended by around 90,000 people. It featured acts such as Lewis Capaldi and Kasabian.

The teenager, who cannot legally be identified because of his age, is said to have developed an interest in extreme Islam and supported IS ideology.

The youth is also said to have looked at weapons, including firearms, vehicles and a stab vest.

He was remanded in custody to appear the Old Bailey on Aug 19.