‘Terrorist teen plotted cop attacks’

A teenager accused of planning a terror attack against serving police officers has appeared in court.

Matthew King, 19, is said to have surveyed police stations, railway stations, a magistrates’ court and a British Army barracks as possible targets, the Old Bailey heard.

King was arrested by officers from the Met Police Counter Terrorism command in Essex on 18 May.

He previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accused of preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2006.

King, from Essex, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from HMP Wandsworth charged with preparation of terrorist acts, between 22 December 2021 and 17 May 2022.

Speaking only to confirm his name, King will have the charges put to him at his next hearing date on 20 January 2023 at the same court. He is due to attend in person.

Gillian Curl, prosecuting, earlier told the court King was preparing to carry out a terrorist act against ‘either serving on-duty police officers or military personnel.’

Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC remanded King in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on 21 October this year.

King’s trial date is set for 27 February 2023 at the Old Bailey.