Threatening Email Hoax Sent To Schools Widely Condemned
Police investigating the circumstances of threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning, Monday 19th October, are treating the matter as a hoax.
Up to 300 schools to date have reported to police receiving the same emailed message which contained a generalised threat. It is believed similar emails have been received by some schools across UK.
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 Ryan Henderson said: “We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, not to mention the disruption it has caused in some 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.”
The majority of schools remained open and some did close as a result of these threatening emails.
Call handlers from Police Scotland also assisted PSNI with the volume of incoming reports on Monday morning.
Education Minister Condemns Reckless Emails To Schools
Education Minister Paul Givan has condemned the actions of those responsible for issuing threatening emails to schools across Northern Ireland today.
Minister Givan said: “I want to absolutely condemn the actions of those who sought to disrupt our education system today by issuing threatening emails to our schools.
“The PSNI has confirmed that it is treating these emails as a hoax, with similar messages understood to have been received by some schools elsewhere in the UK.
“I want to reassure schools, parents and pupils that, following extensive checks, the PSNI has not identified anything untoward.
“I recognise that this incident has caused significant concern and distress for pupils, parents, school leaders and staff. I also understand that a number of schools have had to make decisions which has unfortunately led to disruption and, in some cases, temporary closures.
“The PSNI and the Education Authority have been working closely this morning to provide reassurance and advice. Schools do not need to report receipt of these emails to the PSNI or the Education Authority, as the matter is already the subject of an ongoing police investigation.
“I would like to thank school leaders, staff, pupils, parents and the PSNI for their cooperation and professionalism in responding to this incident.”
Education Authority Strongly Condemns Email Hoax
A spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “The PSNI have confirmed, that following proactive police enquiries, the threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning are being treated as a hoax.
“We strongly condemn incidents of this nature and the unnecessary concern and disruption they cause for pupils, families and wider school communities.
“Enquiries are continuing, but at this stage it is believed that more than 300 schools received the emails. Similar emails may also have been received by some schools across UK.
“While some disruption was caused, the majority of schools remained open.
“We have worked closely with the PSNI throughout the incident, communicated updates to schools and provided support and reassurance.
“We thank school leaders and staff for their professional response to a difficult and challenging situation.”
