Australian police have arrested seven teenagers as part of a wave of counter-terrorism raids across Sydney, claiming it was “likely” the youths may have been plotting an attack.

The suspects are believed to share a “religiously motivated violent extremist ideology”, say police.

The raids are linked to last week’s stabbing of an Assyrian bishop, which police declared a “terrorist act”.

Police say the offenders were “juveniles” aged from 15 to 17.

Investigators allege that the teenagers belong to the same network as the 16-year-old boy who has been charged with a terror offence in relation to the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, which occurred during a livestreamed sermon.

At least four people suffered “non threatening” injuries after the attack in the western Sydney suburb of Wakeley. The 16-year-old was also hurt.

“From that initial [Wakeley] incident, a number of associates were identified that we believe warranted further close attention and investigation,” NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told media on Wednesday.

Mr Hudson said that the youths were all “linked in a common purpose” and posed an “unacceptable risk and threat” to the public. Five others are also assisting with police enquiries.

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