Second teenage boy arrested under Terrorism Act after incident outside mosque

A second teenager was arrested in connection with a terrorism offence after a 16-year-old was taken into custody following an incident outside a mosque in Greenock.

Police cordoned off Laird Street after 9am on Thursday where a 16-year-old male youth was arrested outside the Inverclyde Islamic Centre under the Terrorism Act.

The boy is understood to be a white Scottish youth with no known links to the mosque. STV News understands police are investigating possible links to right-wing extremism.

He remains in custody and officers said there is no risk to the wider community.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said on Thursday evening a second male of the same age had been arrested in the Greenock area in connection with a separate terrorism offence.

He has been released without charge pending further enquiries.

Constable Freeburn said: “During 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.

“He has been released without charge pending further enquiries.”

A Police Scotland statement earlier on Thursday read: “Shortly after 9am on Thursday, January 23, 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.

“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.”