A Sydney teenage boy with special needs is facing terrorism-related offences after being arrested by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team for posting online threats.
The 17-year-old was arrested at his home at The Oaks in Sydney's southwest and charged late on Tuesday night, police said.
He's been charged with preparation for, planning a terrorist act and using a telecommunications network with intention to commit a serious offence.
The teen was refused bail and faced Parramatta Children's Court on Wednesday.
"At this stage we need to bear in mind he does have special needs but this is now a matter that will be before the courts and we expect the courts will take all of that into account," Andrew Scipione, NSW Police Commissioner told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
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While Mr Scipione said the teen has no known connection to any previous activity in terms of terrorism, he said there was a threat.
"I understand that the individual involved has indicated he proposed to act in the very, very near vicinity in terms of time. He was allegedly going to conduct any act within a very short period of time," Mr Scipione said.
He said NSW Police have to respond to all threats.
"You cannot afford not to respond. In fact we respond on every occasion because we need to be really ready to go."
