A SUPPLY teacher who reportedly told children that he could plant a bomb on their bus will not face criminal charges.

Mazin Albarq was quizzed by Durham Police after a parent complained about the comments made to pupils in a class at St Bede's RC School and Sixth Form College, in Lanchester.

He had also been the subject of a second complaint after allegedly telling pupils at Durham Community Business College for Technology Enterprise that he could make bombs out of golf balls and matchsticks.

Police said Mr Albarq had been visited at his home in Selby Crescent, Darlington.

A police spokeswoman said: "It was decided there had been no criminal offence committed. He was seen and given words of advice over his behaviour."

Asked whether the investigation had been worthwhile, she said: "We are obliged to investigate when a complaint is received."

Mr Albarq had been assigned to teaching duties at the two schools by supply agency Teaching Personnel.

It removed him from its books after Durham County Council, the local education authority, expressed "very serious concerns about his highly inappropriate comments".

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council's lead member for children's services, said schools relied on supply agencies to properly vet teachers and carry out background checks.

He said: "In this case, this man was not even qualified to teach these particular pupils.

"His qualification was in the further education sector and not in the schools sector, and we wouldn't usually use that in schools."

Mr Albarq was not available for comment.