Fenham bomb plotter in court

Liam Lyburd has appeared in North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court this morning on charges of possessing a firearm, ammunition and five counts of a possessing an explosive (pipe bomb) with the intent to endanger life of those at Newcastle College.

The 18-year-old was arrested earlier this week following a bomb scare which saw 50 people evacuated.

Lyburd appeared in the dock only to confirm his name, D.O.B and address and has been remanded in custody until November 20th. No bail application was made.

The 18 year old from Fenham is thought to be responsible for the scare that led to the bomb squad cordoning off Hamilton Place and evacuate an estimate of 50 homes in the Arthur’s Hill area on Monday. The Police were acting on a report from one of the accused’s neighbours at 11.30am.

Evacuated residents were housed in the Westgate Community College during Monday night whilst Police carried out investigations. Residents were able to return to their homes on Tuesday morning.

The search of a house in Hamilton Place led to the discovery of a pipe bomb as well as a firearm and ammunition that have since been taken away by to be examined by a forensics team.

It’s thought that Lyburd was planning to cause severe harm at Newcastle College but the Police are confident that they “have prevented the incident from taking place.”

The College’s Principal Carole Kitching has reassured students, staff and their families that they should attend college as usual and that the college “remains a safe place to study”.

Police will be patrolling the college campus with security staff on duty 24 hours.