Schoolboys, 14, are quizzed by terror police

COUNTER-terrorism police were last night questioning two 1 -year-old boys after reports a ‘weapon’ had been taken into their school.

Officers swooped on a quiet market town in a major operation and the teenagers – reported to be classmates – were arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Police have refused to reveal any further details, but it is not understood to be linked with extremist ideology. The boys live about two miles apart in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

They both attend Northallerton School and Sixth Form College, where last month fears about a weapon being brought into the school caused widespread concern among parents.

Head teacher Chris Byrne wrote to parents on September 28 to reassure that reports of a weapon were ‘unfounded and untrue’. A spokesman for the school said staff were ‘supporting the police in their investigation’.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Cain, of North Yorkshire Police, said: ‘Officers believe this is an isolated incident and the wider community are not at risk. We appreciate residents’ co-operation.’