Two teenagers accused of extreme right-wing terror offenses are scheduled to appear in court in London on Friday, with police highlighting the “extremely serious charges” they face.
The Metropolitan Police (the Met) announced that an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were charged on Thursday after a “proactive investigation” by its Counter Terrorism Command unit.
Rex William Henry Clark, from Ilford in east London, has been charged with preparing terrorist acts, in violation of the 2006 Terrorism Act.
Sofija Vinogradova, from Cheshunt in north London, faces charges of preparing terrorist acts and two counts of collecting information likely to be useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Both individuals remain in custody and are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday. The investigation, according to the police, pertains to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism activities.
“These charges are extremely serious, but I urge the public to refrain from speculation and allow the criminal justice process to proceed without interference,” stated Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Murphy assured the public that there is currently no belief of a wider threat related to this investigation, though the investigation is ongoing.
Recently, far-right riots erupted across England and Northern Ireland following the stabbing of three girls at a dance class in Southport, northwest England.
Murphy clarified that the investigation was not a result of the nationwide disorder following the tragic events in Southport. The woman was initially arrested on August 4 on suspicion of possessing a firearm. She was released on bail but was re-arrested on August 10. The 18-year-old man was also arrested at the same address, and both were taken to a London police station.
