Two South Australian teenage boys have been charged with serious offences after allegedly planning an attack at a school.

In a statement police have said, “One teenage boy has been charged with solicit to murder, while a second teen has been charged with four counts of aggravated threats.”

“Following an extensive investigation by SA detectives in the Murray Mallee Local Service Area, assisted by Major Crime Investigation Branch, it will be alleged the accused were planning an attack at a school involving the use of firearms and explosives which could have led to multiple deaths.”

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, the officer in charge of Major Crime, said the investigation, called Task Force Murray, had led to the arrest of two individuals earlier this month.

Both remain in custody and there is no risk at this time to the community, he said.

“While the two individuals linked with this matter are before the courts, it is important that today we provide some information and reassurance to the community – particularly those in Renmark – about their safety,” he said.

“Two teenage boys – aged 16 and 18 – are in custody. The younger has been charged with a count of solicit to murder, while the older teenager has been charged with aggravated counts of threatening to kill.

“Since their arrest police have conducted an extensive investigation of this matter which has included searches of several properties, the seizing of weapons, and interviews with dozens of people.

“Police will allege that they intended to cause harm to a large number of people, however this plan was thwarted.

“There is no evidence to show that any other person was linked with this matter, nor did the two individuals have possession of firearms.”

It will be alleged the pair were involved in planning this attack between 1 June and 7 November this year.

The matter first came to the attention of police on 3 November, with both taken into custody soon after.

Police have worked closely with a number of other organisations during the investigation, particularly the Department of Education and the school authorities.

“The safety of the community has been, and remains SAPOL’s highest priority,” Detective Superintendent Bray said.

“If there is any risk to the community, SA Police will take appropriate steps to advise the community in a timely manner.”

The offence of solicit to murder carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

POLICE NOTE: FOR LEGAL REASONS THE SCHOOL AND THE ACCUSED CANNOT BE NAMED. Given that this matter is before the courts, we are asking that you not make any comment that breaches this legal requirement.

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