Youngsters at risk of radicalization amid pandemic: UK police

Police in the UK has warned that young people across the country were at risk of being radicalized during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

On Wednesday, officers from the Counter Terrorism Policing revealed they were concerned that isolation measures could place vulnerable people at an increased risk of radicalization as the pandemic drives them to spend more time online and restricts their access to support services, reports Xinhua news agency.

Young people are among those who have lost a significant part of their support network following the closure of schools and higher education establishments, and some may be finding it difficult to adjust to current restrictions and being away from friends, an official report warned.

It added that coupled with the uncertainty generated by the pandemic, young people are potentially more vulnerable to negative influences and exploitation as they explore their concerns online, or seek distractions and interaction with others.

Detective Superintendent Matthew Davison, Regional Prevent Coordinator at Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: "It is a time of great uncertainty for all of us and as the virus reduces our interaction with the outside world, it is not surprising we are turning to the online space to explore our concerns and connect with others.

"We know that extremist groups across different ideologies are active in the same space and are looking to capitalize on the uncertainty created by the pandemic to promote disinformation, fear and hate."

He urged anyone who is worried about someone they know to visit the 'Let's Talk About It' website for more information, or to share their concerns with police.

"It's vital we act quickly to prevent people from being drawn too far down a path of violent extremism or terrorism," he added.

( With inputs from IANS )