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Second boy, 16, arrested under Terrorism Act after incident at mosque

Police Scotland says there is no risk to the wider public.

Paul Cargill
Thursday 23 January 2025 14:28 EST
The incident being investigated happened outside the Inverclyde Islamic Centre, Greenock (PA)
The incident being investigated happened outside the Inverclyde Islamic Centre, Greenock (PA) (PA Wire)

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A second 16-year-old boy has been arrested under the Terrorism Act after an incident outside a mosque.

On Thursday at around 9am, police apprehended one youth outside the Inverclyde Islamic Centre, Greenock, under the Act.

It is understood he remains in custody. Police Scotland has said there is no risk to the community.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said on Thursday evening a second male of the same age had been arrested ā€œin the Greenock areaā€.

There is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved or that there is any further risk to the public

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn

He said: ā€œDuring 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.

ā€œHe has been released without charge pending further enquiries.ā€

Earlier in the day, Mr Freeburn said: ā€œShortly 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.

ā€œThe youth remains in custody and inquiries continue.

ā€œThere is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved or that there is any further risk to the public.

ā€œWe 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.ā€

Martin McCluskey, Labour MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West, which covers Greenock, said: ā€œAs people will have seen from media reports, the boy is understood to be a white Scottish male and the police have said that there is no indication that anyone else was involved or that there is any further risk to the public.

ā€œIf anyone has any further information or has any concerns, I would encourage them to contact the police.ā€

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