Schools in the Lurgan, Portadown and Craigavon area affected by threatening emails now branded a 'hoax' by the PSNI
Some schools in the Lurgan, Portadown and Craigavon area have been affected by the threatening emails, sent to schools across NI and Scotland.
It is not known at this stage just how many schools were sent the email and closed in this area however one school, Tullygally PS in Craigavon, did receive an email and closed. Another, Kings Park PS in Lurgan, also closed.
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Other schools who did not receive an email remained open.
The PSNI said up to 300 schools across NI received a general email threat, which originated outside the UK and was sent to schools across the UK.
Tullygally Primary School sent a letter to parents/carers that children had been sent home as a precaution and that all are ‘safe and well’.
Principal Mrs Logan-Hall said: “We want to make you aware that schools across Northern Ireland have this morning received a security threat via email.
"Please be reassured that all pupils and staff at Tullygally Primary School are safe and well. As a precaution, everyone was sent home and Mrs Logan-Hall is in contact with the PSNI.
"We appreciate that receiving a message of this nature may naturally cause some concern. Please be assured that we are treating the situation seriously, remaining calm and taking appropriate precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in school.
"We will continue to follow PSNI guidance and will keep parents informed should there be any change.
"As you are aware some parents would have had parent teacher meetings this afternoon. These will be rescheduled for later in the week. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
Meanwhile St Patricks PS, Aghagallon said it was aware of parents concerns following the threats and assured the school community ‘that St Patrick’s Primary School has not received a threat and school is operating as normal’.
"As always, the safety and wellbeing of our children and staff are our highest priority. We will continue to remain vigilant and respond appropriately to any guidance received from the relevant authorities.
"We understand that news of this nature can be unsettling, particularly for parents and families. We therefore felt it important to communicate with you directly and provide reassurance. Should the situation change in any way, parents and carers will be informed immediately.”