Northern Ireland

Schools targeted with bomb threats

Police said a number of schools received 'malicious communications'
Police said a number of schools received 'malicious communications' Police said a number of schools received 'malicious communications'

Seven schools across the north have been evacuated after receiving bomb threats.

The PSNI is investigating a series of malicious communications to schools while other UK police services reported schools in their areas receiving similar calls.

Bloomfield PS in Bangor received a call at around 9.20am and the school was evacuated.

Linn PS in Larne was also among those evacuated, while officers searched the premises. Staff were later allowed to return to the building.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said the PSNI was investigating.

"At this stage there is no information to suggest the incidents are terrorist-related, however enquiries continue to establish the facts," he said.

"We will liaise with other UK police services who have received similar calls, to investigate who is responsible and whether these incidents are linked."

The Education Authority said it was working with police to manage the situation.

"Schools have in place policies and procedures for dealing with such incidents," a spokeswoman said.

"They have been working closely with their local PSNI officers and taking the relevant precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all children."

SDLP justice spokesperson Alex Attwood said threats to schools were "utterly reprehensible".

"Today has seen children across Northern Ireland and Britain evacuated from their classrooms. It is a development that will shock many and must be condemned by everyone," he said.

"I commend the actions of staff who acted quickly and professionally as the situation unfolded. As details continue to emerge we must remember this disturbance comes at a time when pupils across these islands prepare for their exams. To threaten children and staff in this way is utterly reprehensible.

"Any and all threats must be taken seriously and the PSNI will work with their colleagues in the south and in Britain as they pursue those responsible."

Thousands of pupils were evacuated in schools in England yesterday after a series of malicious phone calls.

Police Scotland also said threats were made to schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh, adding that while they did not appear to be credible, they were being treated seriously.

In the Republic, a primary school in Limerick, a creche in Dublin and another location in Cork were evacuated after also receiving threats. They were subsequently declared a hoax.