Royal Navy serving member, 24, arrested and charged with spying for foreign power

A serving member of the Royal Navy has been charged with offences under the National Security Act following a counter-terrorism investigation.

Teddy Young, 24, was arrested at his Bedfordshire home on Tuesday before being taken into custody in London.

Counter Terrorism Policing said Mr Young has been charged with two offences under the National Security Act 2023.

The first alleges he engaged in conduct in preparation for committing an offence involving the disclosure of protected information.

He has also been charged with obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information in a manner intended to benefit a foreign power and which was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK.

Police stressed that the case is not connected to the recent incident at RAF Fairford.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the allegations as "very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces".

She said officers had worked closely with the Ministry of Defence throughout the investigation to ensure any potential risks were appropriately managed.

Commander Flanagan added: "We have worked extremely closely with relevant operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defence as our investigation has progressed to ensure appropriate measures could be taken to mitigate any potential risks linked to this matter.

"It is important now that any further speculation on this case is avoided so that the case can progress through the courts and the justice process not be impeded in any way."

The National Security Act, which came into force last year, created a series of new offences designed to counter espionage, foreign interference and other threats to national security.