Larne school evacuated after bomb scare

The Times understands that pupils and staff at Linn Primary School in Craigyhill were taken to a nearby church after the threat was received this morning.

DUP Councillor Gregg McKeen condemned those behind the incident and said: “This has caused major disruption and distress for all those involved.”

Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: “We are investigating a series of malicious communications to schools across Northern Ireland today. At this stage there is no information to suggest the incidents are terrorist-related, however enquiries continue to establish the facts.

“We will liaise with other UK Police services who have received similar calls, to investigate who is responsible and whether these incidents are linked.

“Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

UUP MLA Roy Beggs stated: “I unreservedly condemn the series of malicious communications to schools today which includes Linn PS in Craigyhill.‬”

DUP MLA Gordon Lyons added that local residents had also been forced out of their homes due to the threat.

“Linn Primary School has been evacuated following a bomb scare,” he said.

“Children were taken to a local church and have since been sent home.

“Local residents have also had to be evacuated.

“Police are currently conducting a search of the school and we can only hope that it was a hoax.

“You have to ask why someone would target a school in this way - utterly appalling.”

Coast Road DUP Councillor Angela Smyth added her voice to the chorus of condemnation over the incident.

‘This concerted effort to target innocent local children and residents in schools across Northern Ireland is a new low and must be utterly condemned,” she stated.

“The mindset of those who send malicious communications to schools will be beyond many in our community.

“I have spoken to the PSNI and wish to commend them for their swift action.

“The safety of the children, staff and local residents is paramount.”

It is believed that bomb threats have been made to up to seven schools across the Province.

Meanwhile, local people took to social media to voice their frustration at the incident.

One man said: “Who would do that to frighten children, that’s just pure sickness.”