PSNI TREATS SCHOOL BOMB THREATS AS HOAX

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it was treating emailed bomb threats to up to 300 schools across Northern Ireland as a hoax. The force said schools had reported receiving the same generalised message, which claimed an explosive device had been planted in each school. Police said checks had found nothing untoward and traced the email to outside the UK. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police considered the risk to the public low. The PSNI said its enquiries were continuing.

St Colman’s Primary School in Lambeg, County Antrim, asked parents shortly after 9am to collect their children. Stormont education minister Paul Givan had earlier said 160 schools had received the threat. He said some schools had closed as a result. Givan said the message referred to sharia law and claimed devices were present in schools. Similar emails may also have reached schools elsewhere in the UK.

The Education Authority said it had contacted schools and would follow police advice. It said it recognised “the concern this may cause for school leaders, staff, pupils and families”. Henderson said the PSNI was working with the Department of Education and the Education Authority to support affected schools. Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig called for police to find and prosecute whoever sent the message. Givan said the threats had disrupted pupils’ education.