Police investigating the circumstances of threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning, Monday 19th October, are treating the matter as a hoax.
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.
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.”
Statement from Alderman Richard Brown Stewart:
“I am absolutely appalled by the threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning, claiming that explosive devices were inside school buildings.
“As a parent myself, my heart sank when the message appeared on my phone from my own daughter’s school, instructing parents to collect their children immediately due to a critical incident. In that moment, your mind goes straight to the worst possible scenarios. No parent should ever have to experience that fear.
“Whoever is responsible for these threats must understand the very real distress and disruption they have caused to children, parents, teachers and school staff across Northern Ireland.
“Schools should be places of safety, learning and security. To target them with threats of this nature is utterly unacceptable. Innocent children should never be used as a means of creating fear, panic or chaos in our communities.
“Even when a threat is not considered viable, the fear it creates for families is very real. Schools have a duty to take these threats seriously and put the safety of their pupils first, and I fully support the precautionary steps taken to protect children.
“I hope the PSNI’s investigation identifies those responsible and that they are held accountable for the consequences of their actions.
“My thoughts are with every parent who received that frightening message this morning, as well as the children and school staff who have had to deal with this deeply unsettling situation.”
