Eco-warriors using secret messaging app adopted by terror groups to plot chaos at COP26

ECO-warriors are using a secret messaging app adopted by terror networks to plot chaos at COP26, The Sun can reveal.

Extremists are planning waves of direct action and assembling protesters via Telegram — which provides end-to-end encryption for instant messages, videos and file sharing.

It means action can be organised and launched beyond the reach of the security services.

Messages sent by Extinction Rebellion on the app have already identified one of the main hotels where officers from the Met Police are staying.

And protesters have set up an illegal occupation in Pollok Country Park, close to the main COP26 conference hall.

Their use of Telegram comes amid concern that the platform provides a cloak for jihadist and far-right terror cells.

Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi used it to plan his attack in 2017, which killed 22. MPs and faith leaders wrote to Telegram earlier this month after it was accused of being an “app of choice” for racists and violent extremists.

The app was founded in 2013 by Pavel Durov, a Russian-born tech billionaire. More than 100million users still log on to it on a daily basis.

But Extinction Rebellion said: “All our planned actions will be non-violent.”