Somerset teenager arrested after 'threatening to massacre classmates and rape teacher' on Facebook

Police have been patrolling the school since the threats emerged online and have spoken to those named on the list

Heathfield Community School, in the village of West Monkton, Taunton. (Google Street View)

A schoolboy has been arrested after reportedly posting a hitlist to Facebook of classmates he wanted to stab and threatening to rape his teacher.

The 14-year-old boy, who has not been named, is said to have made threats in person and on social media, saying he planned to carry out the attacks at his Somerset school this Friday.

The pupil from Heathfield Community School in Taunton was arrested by police, but has been released on bail.

Police have been patrolling the school since the threats emerged online and have spoken to those named on the list.

Worried parents have removed their children from the school, despite the head teacher’s reassurance of their safety and uniformed officers patrolling.

The school said the safety of their students was “paramount” and that an internal investigation was under way.

Head teacher Peter Hoare said in a statement: “You will no doubt be aware of report this week of an ongoing police investigation involving the school and I appreciate that this has been a cause of concern for students and parents.

“I would like to reassure you that we have taken this very seriously and that all the right steps have been taken to ensure the safety of everyone in at the school.

“While I cannot go into detail, I can confirm that he individual involved is not in school.

“We are confident that appropriate steps have been taken and the school will be open as usual and attendance is expected”.

The threatened attack was due to happen on a planned “own clothes day”, which has since been cancelled.

Mr Hoare added: “I am aware of considerable speculation and rumour circulating at the school, particularly on social media. The police advise that this is not helpful and I would ask that parents treat this information with caution and refrain from contributing anything”.

Speaking to the Somerset County Gazette, one mother who wished to remain anonymous said: “I’m not taking any chances, we haven’t been told very much and until we know what exactly is going on, I don’t want my daughter at the school”.

Avon and Somerset Police said: “We're working closely with the school, children's services and health to make sure we're providing all the support we can to the headteacher and school, the child and his family.

“Concerns were raised by the school on Monday 9 November and we responded immediately and a 14-year-old boy was arrested to safeguard him and enable our enquiries to continue.

“Parents can be reassured that everything is being done, police officers and police community support officers have been providing reassurance and support to the school and community with these daily patrols.

The school specialises in the arts and has around 1,388 pupils aged between 11 and 18 attending.