Elmesthorpe man charged with alleged offences under the National Security Act

The charges are the first to be brought about under the new legislation that came into effect in December 2023.

Several people have been charged in connection with an investigation into alleged offences under the National Security Act.

The charges are the first to be brought about under the new legislation that came into effect in December 2023.

Dylan James Earl, 20, of Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire was charged on Friday 19 April on counts of assisting a foreign intelligence service, aggravated arson, and preparatory conduct.

Earl appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 20 April and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 10 May. 

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is leading the investigation, said: “This is a highly significant moment and investigation for us. Not only are the charges that have been authorised by the CPS extremely serious, but it is also the first time that we have arrested, and now charged anyone using the powers and legislation brought in under the National Security Act.

“We have spoken publicly in recent times about various threats linked to national security that we have been facing, and the increase in operational activity required across Counter Terrorism Policing to meet these.

“While these are very serious allegations, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe there to be any wider threat to them in connection with this matter. This investigation remains ongoing, but now that charges have been brought about I would urge everyone to respect the criminal justice process and not to speculate or comment further in relation to this case.”

Four others have also been charged in connection with the case.