‘Islamist’ bomb threat sent to 160 Northern Ireland schools – education minister
More than 150 schools in Northern Ireland have received an “Islamist” bomb threat, Stormont’s education minister has said.
Paul Givan said the warning, which is not being treated as viable, was signed off “Allahu Akbar”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was conducting “urgent inquiries” and were liaising with affected schools, a number of which closed on Monday morning after receiving threatening emails.
Speaking to reporters at Stormont, Mr Givan confirmed that 160 schools had been subject to the communications.
“This morning 160 schools received a threat reporting – it would appear to me from Islamists threatening that Sharia law will be brought into our country and that there is viable devices within those school settings and it was signed off ‘Allahu Akbar’,” he said.
“That has been escalated to the PSNI and the Education Authority are having emergency meetings with the police this morning.
“At this stage the advice to schools is that we’re not treating this as a viable threat but it has clearly caused huge alarm.
“Some schools have closed as a result of this threat being received through formal communication channels to those schools, something that I absolutely condemn that there has been this level of disruption caused to young people’s education.
“But obviously, we are working through a process with the PSNI in terms of dealing with that email that was communicated to those schools.
“We’ve advised schools to be in contact with their local policing district commands, and unless they have a specifically identified object in their school, that isn’t something that should warrant them taking any further action whereby they are closing.
“But obviously, this is something that ought to be condemned by everybody, and I am hugely disappointed that for some schools they have had to close, but it is not something that we are regarding as a viable threat, but nevertheless, hugely disruptive and very distressing.”
In a statement, the Education Authority said it is “aware that a number of schools across Northern Ireland have received a threatening email this morning”.
“We recognise the concern this may cause for school leaders, staff, pupils and families,” they said.
“We are engaging closely with the PSNI and will act on their advice. Communications have been issued to schools, and we continue to support school leaders and keep them informed.”
Last week similar threats were sent to schools across the Republic of Ireland.
Police in Scotland are today also investigating hoax threats made to a number of schools.
It comes after Stormont’s education minister said more than 150 schools in Northern Ireland had received bomb threats, which are not being treated as viable.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of threatening messages being sent to a number of schools across Scotland.
“These are being treated as a hoax and officers are investigating.”
Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA has condemned the threats and praised staff for their calm response.
"My office has been contacted this morning by worried staff and parents, and I know how distressing this is for families and for whole school communities,” she said.
“These threats will have been deeply frightening for principals, and for the administrative staff who manage school inboxes and are so often the first to read messages like these. No one should have to open their email at work and find a threat, and every child deserves to learn in a place where they feel safe.
“Those behind these threats want to spread fear and cause disruption. People across Northern Ireland have worked hard to build peace, and we will not allow anyone to undermine it or shake the confidence of our communities."
Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA said: “It is incredibly concerning to learn of the threatening email that was sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning and I strongly condemn those behind this sinister incident.
“I understand schools and parents are concerned and anxious. I’ve spoken to the EA directly and they have now issued an email to schools asking them to be vigilant and to contact the PSNI with any immediate concerns.
“I would urge people to stay calm and follow the direction of PSNI. Schools will be communicating with families after they have had updates from EA and PSNI. I hope to see the situation fully resolved soon.”
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