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Teen accused of terror plot 'tried to buy suicide vest online'

A Sydney teen who is facing life in prison over an alleged 'imminent' terror plot reportedly tried to buy a suicide vest online.

Former Epping Boys High School student Tamim Khaja was arrested in the car park of Parramatta Stadium on Tuesday, accused of scouting for locations for an ‘imminent’ terror attack in Sydney.

Khaja, 18, had previously tried to purchase the vest on the internet, according to the Daily Telegraph, and was attempting to buy a gun when police made the arrest.

Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP

A call to the national terror hotline earlier this year alerted police to Khaja and it is believed that tip off came from a fellow student at Epping Boys High School, according to the report.

He had considered targeting a government building, including a police station, authorities revealed.

Police have said Khaja acted alone, however he has links to other terror suspects who are also before the courts.

Khaja was allegedly preparing an attack in Sydney.
Khaja was allegedly preparing an attack in Sydney.

Milad bin Ahmad-Shah al-Ahmadzai is one of those radicals, who is currently waiting to be sentenced over a near fatal shooting outside a gay club in 2013.

Khaja's parents reportedly fled to Australia from Afghanistan to escape the horrors of terrorism.

Now, they’re own son is accused of planning to inflict it.

Khaja's solicitor Osman Samin said his mother and father are "devastated" and "shocked".

Tamim Khaja was arrested and is facing charges over the alleged terrorist plot.
Tamim Khaja was arrested and is facing charges over the alleged terrorist plot.

The teen was detained with hands cuffed in a gutter outside a car park in Parramatta, wearing jeans, a T-shirt and no shoes.

Police had been monitoring him for months and insisted they could no longer wait to act anymore.

Khaja was taken to Parramatta Police Station where he was later charged with one count of planning a terrorist act and one count of preparing for foreign incursions.

Khaja was a student at Epping Boys High School. Photo: 7 News
Khaja was a student at Epping Boys High School. Photo: 7 News

After his arrest on Tuesday police searched several family cars outside Khaja's Macquarie Park home.

They found at least three unexplained licence plates, a western union form for wiring money to Pakistan and prayer mats.

A mobile phone, a USB and a plastic bag full of metal parts - believed to be ball bearing and screws - were among the items confiscated.

Authorities seized a number of items from Khaja's home and vehicles. Photo: 7 News
Authorities seized a number of items from Khaja's home and vehicles. Photo: 7 News

Deputy Police Commissioner Catherine Burn said the planned attack was an 'imminent' threat and Khaja was believed to be a lone wolf.

“The important thing is he was acting alone,” she said.

She said the age group of the individuals of interest to the team are getting "younger and younger".

"It is still an absolute concern that we are continuing to see this happen," she said.

Deputy Commissioner Burns urged the public to help police.

"It's up to all of us to work together. Watch for those signs," she said.

In February, the teenager was stopped at Sydney Airport, bound for the Middle East.

Attorney General George Brandis said Khaja was prevented from leaving Australia because he was the subject of a passport cancellation.

Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan talks to the press. Photo: 7 News
Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan talks to the press. Photo: 7 News

He had been under police surveillance since and has now been charged of planning to fight for Islamic State in Syria.

Last year Khaja was found to be preaching extremism in the playground and was known amongst students as the 'mini sheikh'.

It led to a statewide audit of school prayer rooms.

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn addresses the media. Photo: 7 News
NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn addresses the media. Photo: 7 News

Khaja's lawyer told 7 News he will not yet apply for bail on terrorism charges but will make an application at a later date.

Authorities stressed the arrest was not in relation to Operation Middleham, an investigation involving raids on houses linked to the 'tinny terrorists' in Melbourne's north.

He will appear in Sydney central local court tomorrow.