A teacher faces a police quiz after allegedly telling pupils: "Behave or I'll put a bomb on your bus." Palestinian-born Mazin Albarq was said to have made the sick joke to a class of 13 and 14-year-olds. Parents complained and headteacher Maureen Bates contacted police.
Pupils in supply teacher Mr Albarq's class may also be questioned over a possible charge of threatening criminal damage. The parent of one 14-year-old said: "Children who use the school bus were terrified. It was surely meant as a joke but in the present climate there was nothing remotely funny."
Well, I find it pretty funny.
Police said: "Inquiries are at an early stage following a complaint of inappropriate comments." Mrs Bates, head of St Bede's Catholic School in Lanchester, Co Durham, said Mr Albarq worked at the school for only a few days. She added: "The allegations came to light after he left and we informed the police and agency."
Mr Albarq, father of a primary age pupil, said at his home in Darlington, Co Durham: "How sad that a joke can cause such a fuss. I honestly didn't know anybody had complained. I knew nothing about this. I have heard nothing from the school or from the police."
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