A potential tragedy has been averted after Queensland police arrested a 13-year-old boy in Maryborough, uncovering chilling evidence of a planned attack on a local school.

The arrest took place at approximately 9:00 AM last Thursday at a business on Saltwater Creek Road. Authorities allege the boy was armed with a “large” knife and was wearing disguises to conceal his identity while threatening people at the location.

Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh stated that the threats were imminent and specifically targeted young people at a local school. “We’ve got evidence to satisfy our evidentiary standards that he had planned to undertake acts of violence at a school,” Hindmarsh said.

Following the search of the boy’s home on Saturday, where an electronic device was seized, police alleged that the teenager had become radicalized online and had advanced plans to cause death or grievous bodily harm.

Consequently, the boy has been charged with preparing or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm, as well as possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed via a carriage service. He appeared in court on Monday and remains in custody; he is scheduled to reappear before the Hervey Bay Children’s Court this Friday. Police have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.