‘Knifeman’ who sparked security alert at Buckingham Palace ‘told pals he had plan to get attention’

A SUSPECTED knifeman who sparked a major security alert at Buckingham Palace travelled 280 miles to London after allegedly telling pals: “I’ve got a plan to get attention.”

David Huber, 59, was arrested for allegedly throwing shotgun cartridges over the Palace gates.

Huber was arrested at 7.15pm on Tuesday.

Police allegedly found a knife and carried out a controlled explosion on a bag.

Dog breeder Huber, of Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, had earlier made arrangements for his 30 Hungarian Vizslas before asking a pal to drive him to Darlington railway station.

One friend said: “I got the impression he wanted to bring things to a head. He said he needed to get away. He said he had a plan to catch someone’s attention, someone in power.

“He didn’t say he was going to London.”

Other friends described him as a “private, mild-mannered” dad.

In a Facebook post after the Queen’s death he wrote: “It’s a massive loss to all.”

A month later, he posted a meme writing: “They said I changed a lot. I said a lot changed me.”

Sister Beverley, 63, said he texted her shortly before his arrest telling her he planned to watch the Coronation “Wiv my mutts”.

She described him as a royalist, adding: “He wouldn’t hurt a fly. He knew he’d be arrested and get his voice heard.”

Brother Simon, 63, of Leeds, said: “It wouldn’t have been a serious threat. My brother needs help. But if he won’t accept help, what can you do?”

Yesterday three police cars arrived at Huber’s home after he was deemed fit to be interviewed.

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said Huber had initially asked to speak to a soldier.

When cops said it was not possible he began hurling ammunition.

Scotland Yard are not treating the incident as terror-related.

Sources said King Charles had left the Palace an hour earlier.