Teenager arrested suspected to be in school bomb hoax '˜group'

The 18-year-old is the third teenager to be arrested over a recent spate of malicious communications sent to schools in the UK, with a number of schools in Hampshire being targeted.

National Crime Agency officers arrested the suspect on Wednesday at the home he shares with his family in Andover, Hampshire.

Another 18-year-old man from Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, was also arrested on 28 March on suspicion of making malicious communications.

NCA senior investigating officer Marc Horsfall said the trio are from the same group.

He said: ‘The series of bomb threats caused huge worry and inconvenience to thousands of innocent people. Anyone thinking that law enforcement doesn’t take such offences very seriously should really think again.

‘Our investigation demonstrates we will do everything we can to find out who’s behind the attacks and arrest them as soon as possible.

‘Many cyber offenders believe they’re well hidden behind their computer screens.

‘But this arrest shows, we will identify you and come for you.

‘We believe those arrested so far are all part of the same group.’