Schoolboy, 14, arrested after 'threatening to carry out massacre by stabbing classmates and raping teacher'

England: A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly threatening to stab classmates and rape a teacher in a classroom massacre.

The pupil at Heathfield School in Taunton, Somerset, is claimed to have made the threats in person and in a Facebook post.

He is alleged to have identified a hit list of fellow pupils and vowed to launch the attack on Friday.

The secondary school , which has 1,272 pupils aged 11-16, confirmed a police investigation is taking place and police said the boy had been arrested and bailed.

Headteacher Peter Hoare told parents in a statement: "You will no doubt be aware of reports 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 at the school.

"While I cannot go into detail, I can confirm that the 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.

"Local police officers and PCSOs will continue to provide uniformed reassurance through their daily patrols.

"We are continuing to assist the police and our partners and therefore it would not be appropriate to make further comment at this time."

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "The allegation involves threats made about a school in the West Somerset Policing area.

"The arrest was made to safeguard the individual and enable our enquiries into the allegations to continue.

"He has since been released on police bail."