Police arrest teenage boy on suspicion of terrorism after discovering 'unknown substance' in west London

'Urgent analysis' being carried out to determine what it is

The Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) has submitted a super-complaint to a national watchdog which accuses the police of a 'systemic failure' to protect a 'highly vulnerable section' of the population (Getty)

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after police discovered an “unknown substance” during a raid on a property in west London.

The Metropolitan Police said the substance was found on a number of items and would be sent for “urgent analysis” to determine what it was.

Officers also found cannabis plants and what is believed to be an imitation firearm.

The search on Wednesday morning was carried out by local police before specialist officers were called in.

A police statement said: “At approximately 09:55hrs on Wednesday 29 August local officers attended an address in west London and carried out a search.

“During the search, officers discovered cannabis plants as well as what is believed to be an imitation firearm. Further searches were carried out in the address and officers found items containing an unknown substance.

“As a precaution, specialist officers were called to the address and are now in the process of recovering the items, which will be sent for urgent analysis to determine what it is. Cordons remain in place around the address.

“The 16-year-old boy was initially arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm and cultivation of cannabis.

“He was further arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.”

The boy is in custody at a south London police station and Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading the investigation.