Police investigating schools threat

Police say they are conducting “urgent enquiries” after emails containing a threat were sent to schools across the the Province.

It is understood the email contains a bomb warning and a number of schools have been evacuated.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received reports today, Monday 19th October, of an email sent to a number of schools across Northern Ireland.

“As a result of this email, police are conducting urgent enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question. An update will be provided 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.

“For any parent, hearing that their child's school has received a threat like this is incredibly frightening,” Ms Sugden said:

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.”