16 August 2024 , 18:40
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Rex William Henry Clark, 18, and Sofija Vinogradova, 19, charged over suspected extreme rightwing activity
Two teenagers have been charged with terrorism offences in relation to suspected extreme rightwing activity, the Metropolitan police has said.
Rex William Henry Clark, 18, and Sofija Vinogradova, 19, were both charged with preparation of terrorist acts. Vinogradova, who was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm, was also charged with two counts of collection of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Both were due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Friday.
Police said the investigation into the two teenagers – who were arrested in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire – was not prompted by far-right riots that broke out across the country after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport.
Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of the Met’s counter-terrorism command, said: “These are extremely serious charges, but I would urge the public not to speculate any further about this case at this time and allow the criminal justice process to run its course unimpeded.
“While we are not able to comment in any detail about the investigation now that these charges have been brought, I want to reassure the public that at this time we do not believe that there is any wider threat related to this investigation, although our investigation very much continues.”
On 4 August, officers from the counter-terrorism command arrested Vinogradova on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm and collection of information likely to be of use to a terrorist.
Detectives carried out a search at the address and she was taken to a London police station before being released on bail pending further inquiries. On 10 August, the woman was arrested again at an address in Cheshunt.
Clark was arrested at the same address.
Further searches were carried out at the address in Cheshunt, as well as another address in Ilford. Detectives subsequently obtained a warrant of further detention, lasting until Saturday, for both the man and the woman.