Police in Newcastle believe they have foiled a plot “to cause serious harm” at a college in the city.A statement from the Northumbria force said their investigation had prevented the attack from taking place.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life, and five counts of possessing an explosive substance, namely a pipe bomb, with intent to endanger life.

Liam Lyburd was arrested at an address in Hamilton Place, in the Arthurs Hill area of Newcastle on Monday, 3 November.

He is due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Newcastle College Principal Carole Kitching said: “I would like to reassure staff, students and their families that their safety has been paramount to us and the college remains a safe place to study.

“Officers will be on patrol around the campus to offer reassurance and anyone who is concerned can speak to an officer or contact the college’s welfare team.

“People should attend the College as usual. We have an extensive network of CCTV cameras monitoring key areas inside buildings and across the campus and our security staff are on duty 24 hours a day.”