Explosives shock at high school

Nov 10 2007 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

THE SON of a caretaker sparked an explosives alert at a leading independent girls school after making a suspected pipe bomb.

David Riding, 19, was arrested last week following the discovery of a miniature home-made “explosive device” at his father’s home in the grounds of Durham High School for Girls.

An Army bomb disposal unit from Catterick, North Yorkshire, raced to the £2,800-a-term school to render the device safe.

The device and materials which can be used for bomb making, were found at the premises, on the school site at Farewell Hall, off South Road, Durham last week.

David Riding was questioned by police at Durham City police station before being released on bail pending further inquiries.

A Durham Police spokesman said yesterday: “We can confirm that a 19-year-old man was arrested in Durham City last week after a small home-made explosive device was found at his home. He was questioned and is currently on police bail pending further inquiries.”

The news of a bomb alert shocked parents at the 578-pupil school, although headteacher Ann Templeman assured them that the students were in no danger.

Mr Riding, the son of school caretaker Kevin Riding, was described as a keen motorcyclist who worked until recently in a DIY shop.

His father confirmed he was aware of the incident, but added that he did not want to comment further.

A spokeswoman at the school said: “We can confirm there was an incident and police are dealing with it.”

She added that the school, which dates from 1884 and caters for girls aged three to 18, and whose former pupils include opera singer Joanna Burton, actress Wendy Craig, and news presenters Wendy Gibson and Sarah Gatenby, was, “perfectly safe”.

She said: “There was no risk to pupils or staff and everyone is carrying on as normal.”

Police sources stressed that there was no suggestion of any links to terrorism. David Riding is no longer living on the school premises.