A Hitler-inspired teenager who was plotting a massacre at a mosque pretended to convert to Islam to gain access – weeks before a terror attack that police prevented.
The boy, who was 16 years old at the time, idolised the Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik and was caught by detectives as he made his way to burn down the Inverclyde Muslim Centre in Greenock in January.
He was hoping the mosque, which has a capacity of 275 worshippers, would be full.
It is understood the teen had boasted online about his plans to livestream the attack after becoming radicalised on social media aged 13.
The youth, who was dressed in black and carrying an air rifle, had successfully hoodwinked the imam that he was serious about switching religion.
The young neo-Nazi, who cannot be legally identified because of his age, was left alone to film and draw sketches of the areas where his victims, including children, would be trapped as the planned firebomb attack unfolded.
‘He told me a very shocking statement’
For the first time, the mosque has given exclusive access to Sky News cameras as it reflects on the experience of people there and discusses the trust that has been broken.
The centre’s imam, Muhammad Bilal, recalled the moment he first encountered the teenager and allowed him to join in prayers in December 2024.
Mr Bilal said: “When he came here, he was a very good boy and only wanted to become Muslim.
“When he came, I gave him the Koran to get more knowledge.
“He told me a very shocking statement. He told me that he wanted a balanced life. ‘What do you mean’, I asked? He said: ‘I want closer to my creator if I become Muslim.'”
The boy, who has an autism diagnosis, believed that white people were in a “war” against other races and had “developed sympathies” with the Nazi Party.
Read more from Sky News:
Huge fire breaks out on Arthur’s Seat
UK bracing for yet another heatwave
‘It gives us a lesson for the future’
Hamid Akhtar from the Inverclyde Muslim Centre said the incident had acted as a wake-up call.
He told Sky News: “The frightening bit was that somebody was so nice and so conning. Making us a fool that he wanted to convert, and we were helping him in every way and trusting him.
“It gives us a lesson in future about who comes in and what their intentions are. We have more security cameras now.”
The boy created his own “manifesto” on his mobile phone in which he said he would “die for my land.”
His initial idea, which he called “hilarious”, was to carry out a terrorist attack at his school in Inverclyde.
He recorded himself walking through the education facility saying he planned to “liquidate” one of the offices.
The boy later boasted on Telegram about how he would ditch that idea and instead focus on the Greenock Mosque after managing to “infiltrate” the community.
As the massacre plot edged closer, the boy prepared a “final” manifesto stating he would attack “tomorrow” when “the mosque will be at its fullest”.
On the morning in question, the boy left his home with a rucksack and messaged friends, saying: “Today, I choose what my life was and will be.”
The boy appeared at the Islamic Centre but was unable to enter as the door was locked.
Swastikas and explosive ingredients recovered
What he did not know was that police had received intelligence and were waiting to arrest him.
Inside his bag, detectives discovered a German-manufactured air pistol – capable of firing BBs – as well as ball bearings, gas cartridges, and four cans of aerosol spray.
Notepads containing swastikas were also recovered before officers later found a copy of Hitler’s book Mein Kampf, knives, and ingredients for explosive substances at his house.
The Inverclyde Islamic Centre told Sky News its community remains tighter than ever.
Adeel Naeen said: “The event is an isolated event, but I look at the community today and you see the number of people that come through the doors, so we are glad that the police were able to stop anything from happening.
“The community is still strong in terms of it’s not putting people off from gathering here.”
The teenager previously pleaded guilty under the Terrorism Act at the High Court in Glasgow.
He will be sentenced at a later date.
