PSNI say up to 300 Northern Ireland schools affected by bomb threat email 'hoax'
Police investigating the circumstances of threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning have said they are treating it as a hoax.
The PSNI said up to 300 schools to date have reported to police receiving the same emailed message which contained a generalised threat.
It is believed similar emails have been received by some schools across UK, police said.
"Checks have not, at this time, resulted in anything untoward. Based on enquiries and information to date, police are treating this email, which originated from outside the UK, as a hoax. Enquiries are continuing.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: "We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, not to mention the disruption it has caused in some 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."
It is understood the majority of schools remained open but that some did close as a result of the threatening emails.
Call handlers from Police Scotland assisted PSNI with the volume of incoming reports on Monday morning.
• Are you a parent who has been impacted? – email your thoughts to: [email protected]