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Hundreds of schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been targeted by hoax bomb threats, police have said.
Police Scotland said threatening messages were sent widely to distribution lists across the country, but there was nothing to suggest that they represented a credible threat or that there was any wider threat to the public.
“We understand how distressing messages of this nature can be for pupils, parents, carers and school staff, and the concern they can understandably cause,” the force added.
Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) also said at least 300 schools in Northern Ireland had received a “concerning email”.
In a statement, the force said police were conducting urgent enquiries and liaising with the schools that were targeted.
Police Scotland said: “We understand how distressing messages of this nature can be for pupils, parents, carers and school staff, and the concern they can understandably cause.
“Our advice is that there is no requirement to evacuate schools or keep children away from education based solely on the content of the emails.
“Police Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Unit is carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the source of the messages, and officers continue to liaise with law enforcement partners across the UK and internationally.”
PSNI 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.”
“We urge everyone, in the meantime, to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
John McGhee, the executive director of education at Glasgow City Council, saidL: “You may be aware of media reports this morning about a threatening email about a device in schools that has been sent to schools across the country – our police colleagues have confirmed this is a hoax and that schools should not be evacuated.
“Police officers will investigate the source of these emails. We will continue to work closely with our police colleagues as part of the investigation.
“We know that these incidents will cause anxiety and I want to reassure you the safety of our children, young people and staff is our top priority, and we will always follow the correct procedures in this type of situation.”
The hoax bomb threats come as at least 300 schools in Italy were evacuated after receiving bomb alert messages on Wednesday.
It is unclear if the threats are linked, but they follow a string of bomb threats across Europe in recent weeks, which have targeted supermarkets, air traffic, broadcasters, and blood banks.
Highland Council said: “Emergency protocols were activated in Highland schools this morning, as we awaited further guidance from police.
“Schools will be in touch with parents directly regarding arrangements following any precautionary measures taken this morning.”
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