A 13-year-old boy has been charged with planning an attack on a school in Maryborough, Queensland, after allegedly threatening staff at a local business while armed with a knife. Counter-terrorism police arrested the teenager last Thursday and later seized devices from his home, which they say contained evidence of a planned attack.
Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh of the counter-terrorism investigation group described the threat as 'imminent' and said the boy was 'quite well advanced' in his plans to cause death or grievous bodily harm. 'There was a threat to the school, and particularly our young people at that school,' he said.
The boy has been charged with preparation or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm, possessing or controlling violent extremist material, and several other offences including making threats and possessing a knife. He was refused bail at Maryborough Children's Court on Monday.
Police are investigating whether the boy was radicalised online, though Hindmarsh said there was no indication of an ideological, religious or political motive at this stage. 'That's part of our ongoing investigation as we analyse the devices,' he said.
The education department has offered guidance officer support to students who may need it. Police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
