A record number of children were arrested for terrorism offences in the past year, alarming figures show. Some 53 youngsters were held by police in the year to September, up from 32 in the previous 12 months and the previous high of 34 in 2023. Just one of these was linked to the proscription of Palestine Action, prompting renewed fears over the radicalisation of young people online.

The youngest was said to be just 13 years old.

In total, almost 1,900 people were arrested for terrorism offences in the year to September.

This was driven by a sharp increase following the proscription of Palestine Action.

Staggering Home Office figures show 1,630 of the 1,886 (86%) arrests were linked to supporting Palestine Action, following its proscription on 5 July 2025.

Women were “4.4 times” more likely to be detained for supporting the terrorist organisation, figures show.

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