Police treat bomb threats to hundreds of schools in UK as hoax

Widespread emails trigger evacuations

Over 300 schools in Northern Ireland reported receiving the same emailed message containing a threat earlier Wednesday. At least 470 schools from Dumfries to Orkney in Scotland also received these hoax warnings on the same day. Several sites were evacuated as a precaution while officials reassured parents that the messages were bogus. Similar generic communications were sent to schools in the Republic of Ireland regarding the incident.

Investigation links to past incidents

Police Scotland stated inquiries showed no credible threat or wider danger to the public based on the email content. Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally noted the risk to the public remains low while investigations continue with overseas bodies. Northern Ireland education minister Paul Givan mentioned last month's hoaxes appeared Islamist but denied confirmation of that origin today. The cyber and fraud unit is working to find who was responsible for sending these widely distributed messages.

Classes resume after alerts

Scottish schools received instructions to take back evacuated students and restart lessons right away. Dumfries and Galloway council confirmed children were sent home after a majority of schools received the threatening messages. In Ireland, the Garda Síochána assessed the threat as not credible and did not call for any evacuations. Schools were instructed to stay open unless police officials in Northern Ireland issued different guidance.