Teenagers art to face charges and court for preparing terrorism acts

Two teenagers face terrorism charges, described by police as “extremely serious”.

An 18-year-old male and a 19-year-old female have been charged with preparing terrorist acts. Police clarified that their investigation is unrelated to the recent disorder across the country following the events in Southport.

Rex William Henry Clark from Ilford, London, has been charged with preparing terrorist acts. Sofija Vinogradova from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, faces charges of preparing terrorist acts and two counts of collecting information useful for terrorism.

Initially, the 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of firearm possession.

A police spokesperson stated: “Following a proactive investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, two individuals have been charged with terrorism offences. On Thursday, August 15, an 18-year-old male and a 19-year-old female were charged. Rex William Henry Clark from Ilford, East London, was charged under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006 for preparing terrorist acts.

“Sofija Vinogradova from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was charged under Section 5, TACT, 2006 for preparing terrorist acts and under Section 58, TACT, 2000 for collecting information useful for terrorism.

“Both have been remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 16. The investigation is linked to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism.”

Police have requested the public not to speculate.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, emphasised: “These are extremely serious charges, but I urge the public not to speculate and allow the legal process to proceed without disruption. Although we cannot discuss the investigation in detail now that charges have been made, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe there is a broader threat related to this case. Our investigation continues.

“I also want to confirm that this investigation is not connected to the recent disorder across the country following the events in Southport.”

The woman had been arrested twice.

The police spokesperson added: “On Sunday, August 4, Counter Terrorism Command officers arrested a 19-year-old woman in Cheshunt on suspicion of firearm possession under Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968 and collecting information useful for terrorism under Section 58, TACT, 2000. Officers searched the address, and the woman was taken to a London police station, then released on bail pending further enquiries.

“On Saturday, August 10, the woman was arrested again in Cheshunt. An 18-year-old male was also arrested at the same location. Both were arrested under Section 41, TACT, 2000, and taken to a London police station. Further searches were conducted at the Cheshunt address and another in Ilford.

“Detectives obtained a warrant for further detention until Saturday, August 17, for both individuals. Following additional enquiries and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the CPS authorised the charges as detailed above.”