Two teenagers charged with right-wing terror offences in London

TWO teenagers accused of extreme right-wing terror offences are set to appear in a London court on Friday.

The Metropolitan Police have charged the pair with what they describe as "extremely serious charges" following a proactive investigation by the Counter Terrorism Command unit.

Rex William Henry Clark, 18, from Ilford in east London, has been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts under the 2006 Terrorism Act.

Sofija Vinogradova, 19, from Cheshunt, north of London, faces charges of preparation of terrorist acts and two counts of collecting information likely to be useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Both suspects remain in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

According to the police, the investigation relates to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, emphasised the seriousness of the charges but urged the public not to speculate further and to allow the legal process to proceed without interference. He also reassured the public that there is no wider threat related to this investigation, although the investigation is ongoing.

Murphy clarified that the investigation is not connected to the recent far-right riots across England and Northern Ireland, which followed the fatal stabbing of three girls at a dance class in Southport, northwest England.

Vinogradova was initially arrested on 4 August on suspicion of possessing a firearm. She was bailed but was re-arrested on 10 August, along with the 18-year-old man, at the same address. Both were taken to a London police station.

(With inputs from AFP)