Teen Terror Plot Uncovered in East Ham and Stratford
Matthew King, 19, from Wickford, Essex, admitted to spying on an Army barracks in East Ham, as well as Stratford Magistrates Court, police stations, and railway stations. The young extremist pleaded guilty today at the Old Bailey to preparing terrorist acts.
King’s Dark Plans Revealed
According to court documents, King “actively desired” to travel to Syria to join ISIS activities. He sought social media advice on how to get there, discussing routes in a WhatsApp group. He told an associate known only as “JF” about his plans and made videos praising ISIS.
When travel to Syria failed, King admitted he would consider a terror attack here in the UK. He opened an online account with Knife Warehouse in December 2021 intending to buy a blade. In March 2022, he bought tactical gloves and goggles from an army surplus store in March, Cambridgeshire.
Reconnaissance and Recruitment
- King photographed police officers in Stratford twice between March and May 2022.
- He filmed Stratford Police Station’s side entrance during a third visit.
- On May 17 last year, King shot footage of Stratford Army Barracks and briefly thought about attacking someone linked to the base.
He even posted a WhatsApp video featuring a knife-wielding figure with chants urging jihad. The message said: “Our jihad will continue until we vanish on the day of judgement! So, young man, draw your sword and slay the kufr.”
Police Move In After Tip-Off
An anti-terror hotline and Prevent programme flagged King’s worrying activity after the video surfaced in April 2022. The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command swooped on May 18 last year, arresting King at his home and seizing his phone.
“I don’t believe in UK law; the only law I believe in is Allah’s law,” King reportedly said after being warned by officers.
Prosecutors claimed his plot targeted serving police or military personnel and was driven by extremist Islamic beliefs. No specific terror act was identified yet, but evidence showed King was well into preparation. The court will decide how far his dangerous plans had advanced.
