A 13-year-old boy has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged sharing of extreme Islamist material. 

The teenager was detained at an undisclosed address in west London yesterday (Tuesday, May 17) on suspicion of dissemination of terrorist material.

He was taken into custody and later bailed to a date in mid-June.

The investigation is ongoing and officers will work closely with partners from safeguarding agencies as their enquiries continue.

Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: "While it is still very rare for such a young person to be arrested for a terrorism offence, in recent times we have seen a worrying increase in the number of teenagers being drawn into terrorism.

"This particular investigation remains ongoing, but more broadly, we work closely with a whole range of partners to try and protect and divert young, vulnerable people away from extremism and terrorism.

"The public have an important part to play in this, and we would urge anyone who thinks a friend or relative is becoming radicalised or drawn into a path towards terrorism to 'ACT Early'.

"Please contact us so that we might be able to get that person the help they need."

Extreme online content can be reported online and anonymously via: Gov.uk/report-terrorism.

Visit Act Early to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.