Read 'Islamist' bomb threat email to Northern Ireland schools in full
The following is the email which was sent to some 300 schools across Northern Ireland today.
Education Minister Paul Givan described it as an ‘Islamist’ threat, however it is not clear at this stage if that was the actual source of the email.
Police have said they are treating the email as a hoax.
The email sent to schools said:
“Death is near.
“This is an urgent notification that an explosive device containing ammonium nitrate (ANFO) is currently located inside the building.
"Today, with Allah's permission, we will carry out a series of planned terrorist attacks across the country.
"What you experience today is only the beginning. One day, your government will surrender its authority, and Sharia law will be established.
"Allahu Akbar.”
Education Minister Paul Givan released a statement condemning the actions of those who issued the threatening email.
Paul Givan said: "I want to absolutely condemn the actions of those who sought to disrupt our education system today by issuing threatening emails to our schools.
“The PSNI has confirmed that it is treating these emails as a hoax, with similar messages understood to have been received by some schools elsewhere in the UK. I want to reassure schools, parents and pupils that, following extensive checks, the PSNI has not identified anything untoward.
“I recognise that this incident has caused significant concern and distress for pupils, parents, school leaders and staff. I also understand that a number of schools have had to make decisions which has unfortunately led to disruption and, in some cases, temporary closures.
“The PSNI and the Education Authority have been working closely this morning to provide reassurance and advice. Schools do not need to report receipt of these emails to the PSNI or the Education Authority, as the matter is already the subject of an ongoing police investigation.
“I would like to thank school leaders, staff, pupils, parents and the PSNI for their cooperation and professionalism in responding to this incident."
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