Liam Lyburd: Newcastle teenager charged with possessing five pipe bombs and a gun
A police investigation has revealed 'intent to cause serious harm'
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A Newcastle teenager, who has been charged with possessing five pipe bombs and a gun, allegedly planned to “cause serious harm” at a local college.
Liam Lyburd, 18, was arrested following a major police investigation which saw a housing estate near Newcastle United's stadium cordoned off.
He will appear in court today.
Officers were called to a house in the Hamilton Place area of Newcastle on Monday after receiving reports of concern for a man.
A statement from Northumbria Police said: “Inquiries are continuing into this incident.”
Northumbria Police said: "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."
Students at Newcastle College, whose past pupils include Ant and Dec, comedian Ross Noble, X Factor winner Joe McElderry and Perrie Edwards from Little Mix, have been reassured it is safe to attend classes.
Principal Carole Kitching said: “"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.
"The security team already works in close partnership with the local neighbourhood policing team and this will continue.
"Officers will be on patrol around the campus to offer reassurance and anyone who is concerned can speak to an officer or contact the college's welfare team.
"People should attend the college as usual. We have an extensive network of CCTV cameras monitoring key areas inside buildings and across the campus and our security staff are on duty 24 hours a day."
Lyburd has been charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life, and five counts of possessing an explosive substance, namely a pipe bomb, with intent to endanger life.
He will appear at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court at 10am.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 ext 69191, quoting reference 401 03/11/14, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Additional reporting by Press Association