14-year-old boy charged with making improvised bombs in an Islamic terror plot

A 14-year-old boy from Eastleigh has appeared in court accused of trying to make bombs containing shrapnel in an Islamic terror plot.

The teenager, who converted to Islam this year, is alleged to have developed an extremist jihadist mindset in the past month.

He is accused of making devices by combining explosive substances or bleach with tinfoil and screws, as well as recording a video setting out his wish to become a martyr.

The boy, from Eastleigh, who cannot be named because of his age, is believed to be the youngest person ever accused of planning a terrorist attack in the UK.

The defendant did not enter a plea and was remanded in youth detention. He is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday 22 June.

It is alleged he researched how to make explosives, constructed a series of devices with the aim of making them explosive devices containing shrapnel, and had recorded a video saying he wanted to be a martyr.

A Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) statement on Wednesday said: “We know that the community of Eastleigh might be concerned about this news, however Hampshire Constabulary have been working closely with colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South East on this investigation and we want to reassure you that we believe the investigation is isolated, and with no known wider risk to the community.

“If you think you have seen something suspicious that may be linked to terrorist activity have the confidence to share those concerns.

“It may be unusual behaviour in a particular place or at a particular time of day – don’t rely on others.”

Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes tweeted: “I was briefed on this issue this afternoon and thank the police for their informative release.

“As they’ve said they believe this to be an isolated incident and speculation on social media is not helpful.

“Thank you to our police forces for their hard work.”