British police foil college attack involving firearm, pipe bombs

USPA News - Police in northeastern England believe they have foiled a planned attack on a college after a teenager was arrested with a firearm and five pipe bombs in his possession, British officials said late on Wednesday, but few other details were immediately released. Police were called to an address in the Arthur`s Hill area of Newcastle on Monday following a report of concern for a person, after which 18-year-old Liam Lyburd was arrested.

He was found to be in possession of a firearm and five pipe bombs, according to a statement from Northumbria Police. "The investigation to date has revealed that there was intent to cause serious harm at Newcastle College. We are confident that we have prevented the incident from taking place," police said. Lyburd has been charged with one count of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and five counts of possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life. Other details about the alleged plot were not immediately released, but Lyburd was expected to appear in court on Thursday morning. Principal Carole Kitching of Newcastle College said the school worked closely with police throughout their investigation and urged people to attend college as usual. "I would like to reassure staff, students and their families that their safety has been paramount to us and the college remains a safe place to study," she said, adding that the school has an extensive network of cameras monitoring key areas.