A 14-year-old boy from Blackburn is being held in the UK in connection with an alleged terror plot at a World War One centenary event in Australia.
Greater Manchester Police said the boy was arrested on 2 April on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism.
Officers said they had uncovered a “credible terrorist threat”.
Australian police confirmed it was linked to the arrest of five teenagers in Melbourne over alleged plans to target police at an Anzac memorial.
In a joint statement, Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police said they “can confirm a link between the arrest of a 14-year-old boy in Blackburn, Lancashire, in the United Kingdom on Saturday with Operation Rising, a Joint Counter Terrorism Team operation.”
Australian Police arrested five men on Saturday and two remain in custody. The other three have been released but police have said that one man is expected to be charged on weapons offences.
‘Credible threat’
Greater Manchester Police said the 14-year-old was arrested after the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU) and officers from Lancashire Constabulary searched an address in Blackburn under warrant and examined a number of electronic devices.
As part of the investigation officers from NWCTU uncovered communication between a teenager in Blackburn and a man in Australia.
The boy was arrested on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
On Saturday 18 April, he was further arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and remains in police custody for questioning.
Information was subsequently passed to Australian authorities.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole, from the NWCTU, said: “We are continuing to work closely with the police in Australia and Lancashire and I want to reassure the public that we have not uncovered an imminent attack in the UK and there is no immediate threat towards the communities of Lancashire, the North West and the UK.
“It is important to remind communities and families to bring to our attention anyone they perceive may be vulnerable or in danger of escalating towards terrorism.”
Commenting on the boy’s age, he said: “Parents need to be speaking to teenagers on a wide rage of issues. You need to understand what children are doing online and who they are speaking to.”
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed there is no imminent threat to the UK.
It emerged over the weekend that British police are reviewing security operations ahead of the centenary of the Anzac landings following the foiled alleged terror plot in Australia.
Anzac Day honours Australian and New Zealand soldiers who have died in war.
Australians and New Zealanders in the UK traditionally observe the occasion, which takes place on 25 April each year, by holding services in Westminster and Hyde Park in central London.
Source: BBC