Police in Northern Ireland are treating threatening emails reported by up to 300 schools Monday as a hoax, saying checks had found nothing suspicious and the risk to the public was low.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the schools received the same message, which contained a generalized threat. The email originated outside the U.K., and investigators believe some schools elsewhere in the country received similar messages.
“Our enquiries are ongoing, however, at this stage we consider risk to the public as low,”
Some schools evacuated pupils after receiving the email. St Colman’s Primary School in Lambeg closed after deciding to evacuate as a precaution, UTV reported. The school said children left calmly and remained under staff supervision. UTV reported that the threatening email claimed an explosive device was inside school buildings.
Education Minister Paul Givan earlier put the number of schools receiving the threat at 160 and said it was not being treated as viable. The later police statement put the number reporting the email at up to 300. (LBC)
Speaking to reporters at Stormont, Givan condemned the disruption to children’s education. He said some schools had closed after the threat arrived through their formal communication channels. (Derry Journal)
Henderson acknowledged the concern and disruption caused to school communities, students and parents. Officers had been working with the Department of Education and the Education Authority throughout the morning to reassure those affected, he said.
The Education Authority had contacted schools and was working with police, the Fermanagh Herald reported. The authority said it would follow police advice, support school leaders and keep them informed.
Police said their assessment was based on enquiries and information gathered so far. The investigation continues.
Police urged people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
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