Student held for plan to attack Pope protesters

A YOUNG chemistry student working as a volunteer on preparations for a visit by the Pope to Spain has been arrested on suspicion of planning a gas attack against protesters opposed to the pontiff’s stay.

Pope Benedict XVI is due to arrive in Madrid today for a four-day visit to celebrate World Youth Day.

A police official said the suspect arrested in the capital is a 24-year-old Mexican student specialising in organic chemistry.