THE plot by a Blackburn teenager to commit a ‘massacre’ in Australia on a national Memorial Day has been branded as ‘shocking in its brutality and scope’.

Sue Hemming, head of special crime and counter terrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “It is clear from cases such as this that those who have been radicalised do not have to leave the UK in order to pose a threat to the wider world.

“The plan was hatched by these individuals on different sides of the world and it was shocking in its brutality and scope.

“It is vital that we bring the full force of the law to bear on those who would seek to radicalise others or assist in preparation of acts of terror, regardless of where they or their targets are in the world.”

Lancashire Police’s assistant chief constable Tim Jacques said: “The early identification of this threat was through the vigilance of both Lancashire Constabulary staff and our partners involved in safe-guarding vulnerable people.

“This excellent partnership and the relationships that have been built up over many years saved lives overseas.

“At the time of his arrest the boy was subject to local safeguarding arrangements. Concerns were shared with us by partners and this led to the disruption of this evil plan”