Reports of school evacuations after 'bomb threat email' to schools across Northern Ireland - PSNI investigating

The News Letter understands that some 100 schools have been affected.

There are some reports of some schools evacuating while other schools have decided there is no threat and are operating as normal.

A similar email threat was sent to schools across the Republic of Ireland last week.

Today police in Scotland are reporting that they are dealing with a similar email sent to Scottish schools.

A PSNI spokesperson said that as a result of the email, police are conducting urgent enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question.

Police said an update will be provided in due course.

One source said that children are being evacuated from a school in the wider Lisburn area.

"Parents have received a message that the school has received a threat so they have to collect their kids immediately," the source said.

A Coleraine mum wrote on social media that it was “very frightening to get the message from school this morning” but added: “Thankfully the school acted so quickly”.

LONDONDERRY SCHOOL REMAINS OPEN

One school in Londonderry sent the following message out to parents this morning.

"We wish to inform you that this morning the school received an email containing a threat. We understand that similar emails have been circulated to a large number of schools across Northern Ireland.

"The matter was immediately reported to the PSNI and the Education Authority, and appropriate precautionary measures have been taken in line with established procedures.

"At this time there is no confirmed information indicating a specific threat to our school.

"However, we are treating the matter seriously and are following all advice provided by the relevant authorities.

"The safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff remain our highest priority. School activities will continue as normal unless we receive advice to the contrary from the relevant authorities.

"We recognise that parents may be concerned, and we will provide further updates should there be any significant developments.”

One parent with a child in a school in a different county said the schools had received a bomb threat email and is closing.

A parent on the north coast said she knew of three schools in the area which have also been affected.

EAST BELFAST SCHOOL REMAINS OPEN

McArthur Nursery School in east Belfast posted a message about the situation on social media.

“A number of Schools across NI have been sent a malicious email,” it said.

"School has been in contact with the PSNI who currently believe this is a hoax email and that there is no current threat to pupils or staff.

"They have recommended that school remains open as usual and they will update if there is any change.

“Please be assured that the safety of all pupils and staff is our top priority and we are confident with the information the PSNI have provided us with.”

COLERAINE GRAMMAR NOT AFFECTED

Coleraine Grammar School also posted a message about the situation.

“Some NI schools have received an email this morning stating that there is an explosive device on the premises,” it said.

"We have not received such an email and PSNI advice is to check the premises, which we are now doing. School will remain open today as normal unless I receive new information or advice.

"Thank for your support, and we will remain vigilant.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND EMAIL LAST WEEK

Media in the Republic of Ireland reported a similar story at last week.

In a statement, gardaí confirmed they were aware that the communication was sent to “a number of educational establishments”.

“Gardaí are currently assessing the contents and credibility of that communication,” a spokesperson said.

“Gardaí are engaging with a number of educational establishments.”

The Irish Department of Education said it had been made aware of the email and had consulted with gardaí.

“A number of schools received a threatening email,” a department spokesperson said, as reported by The Journal.

Schools that received the email were advised to report the threat to gardaí.

The department said this advice had been communicated to schools, boards of management, management bodies and unions.

However, it said schools could continue operating as normal unless otherwise instructed by gardaí.

“The department will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any further advice as required,” the spokesperson added.

According to media reports some 150 schools were impacted by the email last week in the south, including schools in Donegal and Cork.

The email was criculated to southern schools on Wednesday, which coincided with industrial action in schools.

This story will be updated.

• Are you a parent who has been impacted? – email your thoughts to: [email protected]