Police officers patrol the near-deserted streets of London on April 16, 2020, during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. (TOLGA AKMEN / AFP)

LONDON - Counter terrorism cops in Britain warned Wednesday that young people are at risk of being radicalized during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing revealed they are concerned that isolation measures could place vulnerable people at an increased risk of radicalization

Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing revealed they are concerned that isolation measures could place vulnerable people at an increased risk of radicalization as the pandemic drives them to spend more time online and restricts their access to support services.

Young people are among those who have lost a significant part of their support network following the closure of schools and higher education establishments, and some may be finding it difficult to adjust to current restrictions and being away from friends, an official report warned.

It added that coupled with the uncertainty generated by the pandemic, young people are potentially more vulnerable to negative influences and exploitation as they explore their concerns online, or seek distractions and interaction with others.

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This AFP graphic shows the four steps to radicalization, as identified by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Detective Superintendent Matthew Davison, Regional Prevent Coordinator at Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: "It is a time of great uncertainty for all of us and as the virus reduces our interaction with the outside world, it is not surprising we are turning to the online space to explore our concerns and connect with others."

"We know that extremist groups across different ideologies are active in the same space and are looking to capitalize on the uncertainty created by the pandemic to promote disinformation, fear and hate," Davison added. 

He urged anyone who is worried about someone they know to visit the Let's Talk About It website for more information, or to share their concerns with police.

"It's vital we act quickly to prevent people from being drawn too far down a path of violent extremism or terrorism," he added.