Bomb threat to hundreds of schools a hoax, say police
A bomb threat emailed to more than 300 schools in Northern Ireland today has been declared a hoax by police.
According to the PSNI, all of the schools received the same emailed message containing a threat. Officers say the message, which originated from outside the UK, is not credible and checks have so far found “nothing untoward”.
It’s understood that, unlike in a similar incident last month, there were no widespread evacuations of schools across Northern Ireland, and some publicly stated classes would continue as usual.
However at least one, Victoria Primary School in Newtownards, did remove pupils to a nearby church.
Reports say threats were also emailed to schools in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, which are believed to be similar to the message circulated around Ulster.
The PSNI stated that based on enquiries and information to date, they’re treating the incident as a hoax.
Said Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally: “We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, school communities and for students and parents.
“Our enquiries are ongoing, however, at this stage we consider risk to the public as low. We will continue to liaise with schools impacted and have been working closely with the Department of Education and the Education Authority this morning to provide reassurance.
“We urge everyone, in the meantime, to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
Among those stating classes would continue was Abbots Cross Primary School in Newtownabbey, which posted on its Facebook page: “Please be advised that schools across Northern Ireland have received another threatening email this morning.
“Police have advised that it is not a credible threat, schools should proceed as normal and that no evacuation is required. A letter to all families will follow.
“Thank you for your support with this.”
Ampertaine Primary School in Maghera stated on social media that it “received a bomb threat this morning, along with a number of other schools across Northern Ireland”.
It added: “We have liaised with the Education Authority critical incident team and the PSNI. We have been advised that the threat is not considered credible and there is currently no need to evacuate the school.
“The school will therefore continue to operate as normal. We will remain in close contact with the relevant authorities and will inform parents immediately should the situation change.
“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”
Politicians have condemned the hoax threat and called on law enforcement to bring the culprits to justice.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart reinforced that this is the second threat to Northern Ireland’s schools in less than four weeks, and the third this year,
“Our schools, their pupils and the staff who work tirelessly to educate and support our children should never be subjected to this kind of intimidation,” she said.
“Any attempt to cause fear and disruption within our education system is deeply irresponsible and has understandably caused considerable anxiety among pupils, parents and staff. Incidents such as this must stop.”
Deborah Erskine MLA expressed a similar view, stating: “Enough is enough.
“The PSNI need to catch those responsible and bring about swift action. This cannot be allowed to continue.”