Schools ‘explosive device’ email a hoax, says police
An email threatening that “an explosive device” is located within hundreds of schools in Northern Ireland is being treated as a “hoax” by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police take “incidents of this nature very seriously” however “at this stage we consider risk to the public as low”.
Some schools have closed after receiving the email, however others have decided to stay open and are taking advice from the PSNI.
Police Scotland said they are investigating emails sent to schools and are also treating threats as a hoax.
One school in Lambeg emailed parents to say that they should “come immediately” and collect children adding: “Please don’t panic the children are all safe.”
The email originated from outside the UK police say and similar emails have been received by some schools across the UK.
The PSNI said up to 300 schools have reported receiving the same emailed message which contained a generalised threat.
“Checks have not, at this time, resulted in anything untoward,” added the PSNI.
“Based on enquiries and information to date, police are treating this email, which originated from outside the UK, as a hoax.”
Henderson said police “understand the concern in the community, not to mention the disruption it has caused in some school communities and for students and parents”.
“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.”
Police enquires are continuing.
“We have made contact with police colleagues in other parts of the UK and Republic of Ireland as part of these enquiries and to establish if there is a potential link,” a PSNI spokeswoman said.
