Teenager, 16, charged with terrorism offence allegedly linked to Anzac Day commemorations

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Teenager, 16, charged with terrorism offence allegedly linked to Anzac Day commemorations

By Nick Ralston
Updated

A 16-year-old boy was in the advanced stages of planning a terrorism attack on Sydney's Anzac Day commemorations, police say.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the boy was arrested by counter terrorism police near his Auburn home on Sunday afternoon.

Addressing the media after the Dawn Service in Sydney, Mr Scipione said police were unsure which Anzac Day event was to be targeted in the attack.

But he said the threat related to Sydney and was at the stage where counter terrorism officers had to act and act quickly.

"Officers were forced to act yesterday afternoon. We had to do that in order to ensure the safety of the community," Mr Scipione said.

"Clearly we've taken that action with community safety on the eve of the sacred day which is Anzac Day."

The boy was charged overnight with one count of preparing for, or planning a terrorism act. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life in jail.

He is due to appear in court on Monday.

"The age of the individual is of significant concern, 16 years of age, a boy," Mr Scipione said.

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Mr Scipione said the boy had come to the attention of police previously and they believe he was acting alone.

Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the government was "very concerned" about the accused boy's age.

"This is part of a pattern that we have been observing where younger and younger people are targeted and incited to go and commit an act of terror," he told reporters in Perth.

His home in Sydney's west had been extensively searched on Sunday. There was also an "online component" to the allegations against the boy, police said.

"Clearly this is an ongoing problem for some very very small proportion of our society, the radicalisation of youth," Australian Federal Police Commander Chris Sheehan said.

"We really need the assistance of the community, friends and family. If you're seeing someone in your family that you have concerns about please reach out for assistance."

Mr Scipione said security arrangements for Anzac Day commemorations in Sydney had been "noticeably" increased.

Police would not be leaving "anything to chance" but people should still go about their Anzac Day as planned, he said.

"The risk from this particular threat has been thwarted," Mr Scipione said.

"I can also assure the community that at this stage we are saying go out ane enjoy this sacred day."

Mr Keenan said international security had deteriorated over the past 18 months on account of the rise of Islamic State. But the thwarting of six local terror plots in that time - and the arrest on Sunday night - demonstrated Australian authorities were capable of keeping the country safe, he said.

He confirmed the official terror threat level remained at "probable", which means there is credible intelligence showing that groups have the intent and capability of executing a terrorist attack in Australia.

He also cited $40 million the government had spent on countering violent extremism in local communities.

Mr Keenan would not reveal details about the alleged plot, but said there was no indication police would make more arrests.

- with Michael Koziol

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