Teenage boy plotted Isis-inspired terror attack with knife and hammer in Cardiff

Boy arrested hours before Justin Bieber concert that he searched for security information on

The defendant had allegedly made several internet searches relating to a Justin Bieber concert in Cardiff in the days leading up to his arrest (Getty) (Getty)

A teenage boy has been found guilty of preparing for an Isis-inspired terror attack targeting Cardiff after being radicalised online.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had concealed a knife and hammer in his school bag and prepared a letter declaring himself a “soldier of the Islamic State” and threatening more attacks.

He was arrested on the day of a Justin Bieber concert in the Welsh capital, which was among potential targets including the Castle quarter, New Theatre, Capitol shopping centre and Central Library.

Birmingham Crown Court heard the boy’s letter detailed a plan to plough a car into crowds – the method used in the Westminster and London Bridge attacks – and attack emergency services personnel when they arrived.

“I am a soldier of the Islamic State and I have attacked Cardiff today because your government keep on bombing targets in Syria and Iraq,” said the handwritten note, which appeared to closely follow Isis instructions.

"There will be more attacks in the future."

Found alongside the gutting knife and claw hammer, the letter featured bullet points including "run down the non-believers with a car" and "strike the infidels, who oppose Allah, in the neck".

It ended with the words: "In the name of Allah, may terrorism greet your country. May there be more bomb and vehicle attacks with Allah's permission."

Police are seen near the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid at the National Stadium of Wales on June 2, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales (Getty Images)

The boy denied intending to harm anyone but was convicted of two counts of encouraging terrorism by posting extremist material on Instagram, and two charges of possessing Isis propaganda magazines after jury deliberations lasting for more than four hours.

Prosecutors said the teenager, from Rhondda Cynon Taf and of a white British background, had become radicalised online.

He claimed he spoke to a man on Instagram who “told him he needed to commit a terrorist act if he wanted to go to paradise”.

The boy had downloaded two editions of an Isis propaganda magazine containing detailed instructions on stabbing attacks, including what knife to use, where to stab someone to cause the most harm, and how to carry out vehicle massacres.

His Instagram password was “truck attack”, with the account including photos of terrorists, the black flag used by Isis and posts encouraging a terrorist attack in Cardiff.

“Cardiff, are you ready for our terror,” one asked, while a promotional poster for Justin Bieber’s concert at the Principality Stadium on 30 June was found on his computer, alongside a search for information the event and its security.

The court heard that the defendant’s interest in violent extremism dated back to summer 2016, with the schoolboy’s internet history including searches for “Isis beheading video”, “Isis terrorist attacks”, “police car UK armed response”, “how to create a terror attack”, “driving a lorry into a crowd of people” and “what does getting shot feel like”.

He had also looked up information on the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, carried out by two Islamist extremists linked to Anjem Choudary, and the Isis-linked lorry attacks in Nice and Berlin.

Remanding the boy in custody until a sentencing hearing in January, Judge Mark Wall QC told his defence barrister: ”The offences for which he has been convicted obviously merit a significant custodial sentence.

"One of the things I will have to consider is whether there ought to be an indefinite sentence.

"I need as much information on him as you wish to place before me."

Detective Superintendent Lee Porter, of the Welsh extremism and counter-terrorism unit, said the investigation undoubtedly ”prevented further offences being committed'' and warned the public to remain vigilant.

“This case has highlighted the ongoing concerns with young people gaining access to extremist material on the internet and how quickly that can lead to radicalisation,” he added.

Sue Hemming, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s counter-terror division, said the teenager “was prepared to die for Isis’ extremist worldview” and faces a lengthy prison sentence.

“This teenager’s behaviour over many months leaves no doubt that he intended to kill and maim as many people as possible in an attack reminiscent of the incident on Westminster Bridge,” she added.

“He was also posting extremist content online that could have encouraged others to commit terrorist acts and downloading instructions on how to carry out ‘lone wolf’ attacks.”


 The terror threat in the UK remains set at severe (file picture) (PA Wire/PA Images)
 (PA)

The verdict came after figures were released showing thousands of children are being referred to the Government’s counter-extremism programme.

The majority of those considered by Prevent are feared to be drawn into Islamist extremism, including a nine-year-old boy who stood up in class and declared his support for Isis.

British security services are reviewing the controversial programme as part of a new strategy being launched in the coming months, following revelations that some of the terrorists who committed attacks in the UK this year were known as potential threats.

A of eight planned attacks have now been thwarted since the Isis-inspired massacre in Westminster in March, bringing the total to 21 since 2013.

Authorities are increasing efforts to remove online propaganda of the kind used in the Welsh case, which remains available as Isis continues to use the Telegram messaging app and shifting websites to spread its message.

Ministers have warned that terrorists are using “online grooming” to inspire potential terrorists, including children and vulnerable people.

“There is no doubt that the threat to us all continues to grow,” warned Alistair Burt, the minister for the Middle East, last week.

“Even as we see Isis pushed back on the physical battlefield, we know that they will continue to pose a threat in the region. We also know that the battle of ideas is far from won.

“Isis is still capable of inspiring people to carry out attacks in its name and as such it remains a serious global threat.”

The national threat level remains at “severe”, meaning further attacks are considered highly likely.