A 16-year-old boy arrested over alleged terrorism offences outside a Scottish Islamic centre has been charged by officers, Police Scotland said this evening. The teenager was detained on Thursday, January 23, 2025. He is now due to appear in the dock on Monday after being charged with terrorism offences.
Police Scotland said: “The 16-year-old youth who was arrested outside the Inverclyde Islamic Centre, Laird Street, Greenock, on Thursday, 23 January, 2025, has been charged with terrorism offences and is expected to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court on Monday, 27 January, 2025.”
We told previously how he was detained outside the building under the Terrorism Act and was being held in custody by Police Scotland. The force said there is no risk to the community and that inquiries were continuing. Officers asked anyone with information or concerns regarding the incident to come forward.
At the time, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: “Shortly after 9am on Thursday January 23 a 16-year-old male youth was arrested outside the Inverclyde Islamic Centre, Laird Street, Greenock, in connection with offences under the Terrorism Act.
“The youth remains in custody and inquiries continue. There is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved or that there is any further risk to the public. We are speaking to members of the local community to provide reassurance and I would urge anyone with information or who has any concerns to please come forward and speak to officers.”
A second 16-year-old was also arrested by police over an alleged terrorism offence and released without charge. Police Scotland said he was detained on Thursday afternoon. Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: “During the course of the investigation, a second 16-year-old male youth was arrested this afternoon in the Greenock area in connection with a separate terrorism offence.”
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