A number of schools across Northern Ireland were evacuated on Monday, after receiving an email claiming an “explosive device” had been placed on their premises, prompting urgent police enquiries.
Harpur’s Hill Primary School in Coleraine was among those affected. The school asked parents to collect their children immediately from their usual collection point and said parent interviews would be held by telephone.
A parent told Ballymoney Buzz that pupils were told the school’s heating had broken, so they would not panic.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it had received reports of an email sent to a number of schools and was conducting urgent enquiries in liaison with the schools. Police said they would provide an update in due course.
A spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “The Education Authority 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.
“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.”
Independent MLA Claire Sugden has urged parents to remain calm following threats made against schools across Northern Ireland this morning, which have led to evacuations and an urgent police investigation.
Ms Sugden said: “For any parent, hearing that their child’s school has received a threat like this is incredibly frightening. Parents send their children to school trusting that they will be safe, and no family should have to face this kind of worry. My thoughts are with the children, parents and school staff caught up in what must be a very unsettling situation.
“I would encourage parents not to panic, but to keep a close eye on communications from their child’s school and follow any instructions regarding collection. The safety of children and staff must come first, and I hope police enquiries can provide reassurance to families as quickly as possible.”
