Schools in Northern Ireland have been forced to close over “security concerns” as the Police Service of Northern Ireland enlisted the support of Scotland Yard to investigate the “appalling” threats.
PSNI has been working with the Met Police in London after concerning emails were sent to schools in County Fermanagh, County Tyrone, and County Antrim.
In a statement, the force said it had received reports on Monday of an email sent to some schools in Enniskillen, Strabane, and Ballycastle.
They added: "As a result of this email, we are conducting inquiries and liaising with the schools in question, and also with the Metropolitan Police in London."
In a social media post, Strabane School Holy Cross College in County Tyrone revealed that the school had been closed down due to a “security concern”.
"Any children already en route, we would ask that parents make arrangements to collect them. We will update you all as soon as possible this morning," they said.
Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle, County Antrim, shared a similar message on their Facebook account.
DUP Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine said the threats against the nine schools "are to be unequivocally condemned".
MORE LIKE THIS:
Erskine added that the threats were unacceptable and had no place in society.
She said: "Targeting schools - places of learning, personal growth, and friendship for young people - is particularly reprehensible.”
“No child should have their education disrupted in this manner, and no family should have to endure the fear and uncertainty caused by such reckless actions.”
Jim Allister, the North Antrim MP and TUV leader, also labelled the situation as “appalling”.
He added: "I trust the police get on top of this situation quickly and that concerns of parents, staff, and pupils can be allayed."
A spokesman for the Education Authority confirmed it was aware of reports regarding an email sent to schools but declined to comment further.
Erne Integrated College in County Fermanagh informed that there would be heavy traffic "due to a security alert," but clarified that it was "open as normal after the all-clear was given by the PSNI".
Find Out More...
PSNI has been working with the Met Police in London after concerning emails were sent to schools in County Fermanagh, County Tyrone, and County Antrim.
In a statement, the force said it had received reports on Monday of an email sent to some schools in Enniskillen, Strabane, and Ballycastle.
They added: "As a result of this email, we are conducting inquiries and liaising with the schools in question, and also with the Metropolitan Police in London."
In a social media post, Strabane School Holy Cross College in County Tyrone revealed that the school had been closed down due to a “security concern”.
"Any children already en route, we would ask that parents make arrangements to collect them. We will update you all as soon as possible this morning," they said.
Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle, County Antrim, shared a similar message on their Facebook account.
DUP Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine said the threats against the nine schools "are to be unequivocally condemned".
MORE LIKE THIS:
- Children forced to 'hide under tables' after school 'intruder' sparks campus lockdown
- At least five people shot at Swedish school 'with automatic weapon' as police warn of 'deadly violence'
- Primary school evacuated after 'malicious threat’ sparks major police response
Erskine added that the threats were unacceptable and had no place in society.
She said: "Targeting schools - places of learning, personal growth, and friendship for young people - is particularly reprehensible.”
“No child should have their education disrupted in this manner, and no family should have to endure the fear and uncertainty caused by such reckless actions.”
Jim Allister, the North Antrim MP and TUV leader, also labelled the situation as “appalling”.
He added: "I trust the police get on top of this situation quickly and that concerns of parents, staff, and pupils can be allayed."
A spokesman for the Education Authority confirmed it was aware of reports regarding an email sent to schools but declined to comment further.
Erne Integrated College in County Fermanagh informed that there would be heavy traffic "due to a security alert," but clarified that it was "open as normal after the all-clear was given by the PSNI".
Find Out More...