A YOUNG West Somerset woman has been held in custody after allegedly threatening to blow up a university in the Midlands.

Eris Purvis, aged 20, of Village Hill, Upton, appeared in Taunton Crown Court on Friday (October 30) for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

As well as the bomb threat, Purvis also faced two separate charges of stalking two men and causing them to fear violence would be used against them.

Prosecuting barrister William Hunter said it was alleged Purvis from her Exmoor home had made threats between March 7 and September 27 this year to blow up Birmingham University buildings such that it was feared the threat would be carried out.

Mr Hunter said it was also alleged that between March 7 and September 18 this year Purvis had sent emails, videos, and messages to a man which caused him to be concerned on at least two occasions that he would come to harm.

Another allegation was that she sent a second man emails, videos, and messages between May 26 and September 27 which also caused him alarm or distress that he might suffer violence on at least two occasions.

Purvis, who was represented by barrister Harry Ahuja, did not enter a plea to any of the three charges.

Judge Paul Cook remanded Purvis in custody for a trial to be held on April 5 next year which was expected to last for three days.

He ordered a medical or psychiatric report to be prepared and said a short plea and trial preparation hearing would be scheduled for December 3.