Two boys aged 14 in court over ‘massacre plot at their school’

TWO boys have appeared in court accused of plotting to massacre pupils and teachers at their Yorkshire school.

The 14-year- olds face allegations of a ‘disturbing’ plot ‘ clearly inspired’ by the 13 killings at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999.

Both teenagers, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, have been charged with conspiracy to murder. One has also been charged with aggravated burglary at the home of his ex-girlfriend’s parents.

The pair appeared before Leeds Youth Court yesterday, flanked by three guards.

Their lawyers indicated they intended to deny the offences.

Prosecuting, Rebecca Mundy said the boys had conspired to kill and they face a significant term of detention if found guilty as both offences can attract life sentences.

Miss Mundy asked District Judge David Kitson to remand them in custody to ‘protect the public from death or serious harm’. She added: ‘There is a disturbing chronology of events, evidencing a plot clearly inspired by the Columbine High School massacre in the US. Plans had been put in motion … The victims of these plots were children and teachers.’

Judge Kitson remanded the pair in secure youth justice accommodation until they appear at Leeds Crown Court on December 4. One teenager mouthed ‘ I love you’ to his mother who was in court.

Both boys were arrested on Saturday in an operation involving counter-terror police. They were charged on Wednesday.