Two teenagers have been charged with terrorism-related offences following a proactive investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into suspected extreme right-wing terrorism activities.
Rex William Henry Clark, an 18-year-old from Ilford, East London, was charged on Thursday, 15 August, with the preparation of terrorist acts, in violation of Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Alongside him, Sofija Vinogradova, a 19-year-old woman from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, faces charges of preparing terrorist acts under the same section of the Terrorism Act. Additionally, Vinogradova has been charged with two counts of collecting information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Both Clark and Vinogradova appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 August, where they were remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for 13 September at the Old Bailey.
The arrests followed a series of coordinated operations by the Counter Terrorism Command. On Sunday, 4 August, officers initially arrested Vinogradova at a residence in Cheshunt on suspicion of possessing a firearm, contrary to the Firearms Act 1968, and collecting information useful to a terrorist. After being released on bail, Vinogradova was re-arrested on Saturday, 10 August, alongside Clark at the same address. Both were detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows for extended detention in terrorism cases.
Subsequent searches were conducted at the Cheshunt address as well as a property in Ilford. The investigation, which has involved close collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), led to the charges being formally authorized.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, emphasized the seriousness of the charges and urged the public not to speculate on the case as the legal process unfolds. He also reassured the public that there is no indication of a broader threat connected to this investigation, although enquiries are ongoing.
The investigation is not linked to any recent public disturbances, including those following the events in Southport. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety while allowing the criminal justice process to proceed without interference.
Commander Dominic Murphy, 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.
“I also want to make clear that our investigation into this matter is not as a consequence of the disorder across the country which occurred following the terrible events in Southport.”