Hitler-inspired boy planned terror attack at mosque, and pretended to convert to Islam to gain access

The leader of a mosque where a Hitler-inspired teenager was plotting a massacre has told Sky News of the moment the boy pretended to convert to Islam to gain access, weeks before a terror attack which 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.

Read more: Sky News