An Ilford man, 18, has been charged in connection with the preparation of terrorist acts related to extreme right-wing activity.

Rex William Henry Clark, 18, of Ilford, was charged yesterday (August 15) with the preparation of terrorist acts under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Sofija Vinogradova, 19, from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, was also charged with the preparation of terrorist acts contrary to the 2006 Act.

The 19-year-old was further charged with two counts of collecting information likely to be useful to person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Both were remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today (August 16) amid an investigation related to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism activity, police said.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police's counter terrorism command, said: "These are extremely serious charges, but I would urge the public not to speculate any further about this case at this time and allow the criminal justice process to run its course unimpeded.

“I also want to make clear that our investigation into this matter is not as a consequence of the disorder across the country which occurred following the terrible events in Southport," he added.

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On August 4, police arrested a woman, 19, at a Cheshunt address on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm and collection of information likely to be of use to a terrorist.

She was taken to an east London police station before being released on bail.

Last Saturday (August 10) she was arrested again at a Cheshunt address along with a man, 18, at the same address.

They were taken to a London police station and further searches carried out at the Cheshunt property, and a further address in Ilford.

Detectives then obtained a warrant for further detention which lasts until tomorrow (August 17) for both.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the Met Police charges against the pair, who will appear in court again today.

Commander Murphy added: "While we are not able to comment in any detail about the investigation now that these charges have been brought, I want to reassure the public that at this time we do not believe that there is any wider threat related to this investigation, although our investigation very much continues."