PSNI confirms threat to Northern Ireland schools being treated as a hoax
Police have confirmed they are treating the latest threatening email sent to hundreds of schools across Northern Ireland as a hoax.
More than 300 schools so far have reported to police receiving the same emailed message on Wednesday morning which contained a threat.
It is believed similar emails have been received by some schools in Scotland.
Police have confirmed 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,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
Police said enquiries into the matter 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."
Earlier, the Education Authority (EA) said the latest message has similarities with a bogus threat sent last month, which was also declared by police to be hoax.
“EA is liaising with police on this latest message. At this stage, we have not been made aware of any evidence of any credible threat to schools. Investigations are continuing. It is for PSNI to determine the credibility or otherwise of any such message,” a spokesperson for the EA said.
"As always, schools are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to PSNI.
"We fully appreciate that any message of this nature is distressing and can assure schools, parents / carers and children and young people that we will provide a further update following engagement with police.”