UK teen charged with attempting to acquire a biological toxin or agent - police

USPA News - A 16-year-old boy in northwest England has been charged with attempting to acquire a biological toxin or agent after he was earlier arrested by counter-terrorism police, Greater Manchester Police said in a statement on Wednesday. Details about the charge were not immediately released.

The teen was arrested in the Mossley area of Greater Manchester on Monday. A 16-year-old girl who was also arrested has been released without charge. "There is no intelligence or evidence to suggest that communities within the Mossley or Greater Manchester area are, or were, at risk in relation to this investigation," police said. The statement issued by Greater Manchester Police is copied below. STARTS A 16-year-old boy has been charged following an investigation by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with attempting to acquire a biological toxin or agent contrary to the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and will appear before the Youth Bench at Tameside Magistrates` Court on Thursday 19 February 2015. On 16 February 2015, warrants were executed at two address in the Mossley area of Greater Manchester and a 16-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were arrested. The 16-year-old girl has now been released without charge. There is no intelligence or evidence to suggest that communities within the Mossley or Greater Manchester area are, or were, at risk in relation to this investigation. Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity should contact local officers or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. ENDS.