A 14-YEAR-OLD schoolboy has been arrested after allegedly threatening to carry out a massacre, by stabbing his classmates and raping a teacher.

The Heathfield School pupil is alleged to have made the threats in person and on a post on Facebook, and police say they arrested the boy following an inquiry into allegations he made.

The boy, who the County Gazette is not naming, is also said to have made a hitlist of those he would attack.

Police are believed to have spoken to those named on the list , after the boy allegedly said he would carry out the attack this Friday.

The school has moved to reassure frightened parents, some of whom have pulled their children out of school this week The teen has been released on police bail and officers are believed to be keeping an eye on the school this week.

Heathfield School said the safety of their students was “paramount” and said an internal investigation was ongoing.

A statement from headteacher Peter Hoare said: “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.

I am aware of considerable speculation and rumor circulating at the school, particularly on social media. The police advise that this is not helpful to their enquiries and I would ask that parents treat this information with caution and refrain from contributing anything that may prejudice the police investigation.

“Local Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers will continue to provide uniformed reassurance through their daily patrols.”

He added: “We are continuing to assist the Police and our partners and therefore it would not be appropriate to make further comment at this time. “ However, parents say they are taking no chances, with some keeping their children away from the facility.

One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had kept her child away from school in recent days.

“I’m not taking any chances,we haven’t been told very much and until we know what exactly is going on I don’t want my daughter at the school,” she said.

Avon and Somerset Police 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.

“We continue to work with the school and other agencies and will not be making any further comment."