British teenager ‘plotted terrorist attack' at music festival

The boy, 15, searched online for weapons, firearms and a stab-proof vest

About 90,000 people attended the Isle of Wight Festival this year. Photo: Redferns

A British teenager is to go on trial to face a charge of plotting to carry out a terrorist attack at the Isle of Wight music festival.

The boy, 15, has been charged under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

He is from Cowes, a town on the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England. He is accused of supporting ISIS.

The island hosted the festival between June 16 and 19. About 90,000 people attended this year and featured acts including Lewis Capaldi and Kasabian.

The boy is said to have researched the festival, as well as firearms, vehicles and a stab-proof vest.

He is alleged to have obtained a knife and written notes, including one titled “To My Family”.

He had a knife in his rucksack when he was arrested by counter-terrorism police on July 11.

Officers received a tip-off from the FBI that he was planning to attack a non-believer who he thought insulted Islam.

He was charged on July 17 and made his first appearance at the Old Bailey court in London by video link on Thursday, when he confirmed his identity.

He was represented by Rossano Scamardella, who Mr Justice Sweeney thanked for attending despite defence lawyers in the UK going on strike.

“The court would like to thank Mr Scamardella QC for representing the defendant for the best possible reasons – given his age and the potential injustice that may have arisen were he unrepresented," Mr Justice Sweeney said.

A three-week trial will begin on April 18 next year at Winchester Crown Court.

A plea hearing will take place on November 4, he said.

The boy was further remanded in custody.