Expelled pupil planning school massacre was watched by police

An expelled pupil who allegedly planned to slaughter students by blowing up his old school was already under police surveillance, it emerged today.

Officers found bomb-making materials when they raided Jared Cano's flat in Tampa, Florida, after a tip-off. There were also drawings of Freedom High School and statements about his intent to kill staff and students next week.

Police chief Jane Castor said: "He wanted his attack to be worse than the 1999 Columbine High School massacre that killed 13 people in Colorado."

Cano, 17, was on curfew after arrests for alleged burglary and firearms offences. He will appear again at court in Tampa for committal next month.