Police investigate threatening emails sent to local schools

Police investigating the circumstances of threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning, Wednesday 11th November, are treating the matter as a hoax.

Over 300 schools to date have reported to police receiving the same emailed message which contained a threat. It is believed similar emails have been received by some schools in Scotland

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 Anthony McNally said: "We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, 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."