Group calling itself ‘Last Defence Wave’ had recruited other teens online and promoted ‘extremist terrorism’

German police have staged early morning raids against an alleged far-right “terrorist” cell on suspicion of attacks against asylum seekers and political enemies, arresting five teenage suspects, federal prosecutors have said.

The operation on Wednesday targeting a neo-Nazi group calling itself “Last Defence Wave” marked the latest high-profile action against groups Germany says are working to destabilise its democratic order.

Four of those arrested – named only as Benjamin H, Ben-Maxim H, Lenny M and Jason R, in line with German privacy rules – are suspected of membership of a “domestic terror organisation”. The fifth, Jerome M, is accused of supporting the group.

Two of the suspects are accused of attempted murder and aggravated arson. All five are German citizens between the ages of 14 and 18.