Boy, 16, is arrested for terror offences exterior mosque as detectives probe hyperlink to proper wing extremism

A teenager has been arrested for offences under the Terrorism Act while detectives investigate a possible link to right wing extremism.

The boy, 16, was handcuffed outside a mosque on Laird Street, Scotland, shortly after 9am this morning. 

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said there was nothing to suggest anyone else was involved or that there was any further risk to the public.

He urged anyone with information or concerns to speak to officers. Inquiries are continuing.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: ‘Shortly after 9am on Thursday, 23 January, 2025, 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 enquiries continue.

The boy, 16, was handcuffed outside a mosque on Laird Street, Scotland, shortly after 09:00 this morning. Pictured: The Inverclyde Islamic Centre, Laird Street, Greenock

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said there was nothing to suggest anyone else was involved or that there was any further risk to the public (stock image)

‘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 arrested in the Greenock area in connection with a separate terrorism offence.

Mr Freeburn said the second boy had been arrested during the course of the investigation into the first teenager and was later ‘released without charge pending further inquiries’.