Hoax threats close Scottish schools as police investigate

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 19 Oct, 12:57 · Archive

Schools across Scotland received threatening emails on October 19, which police are treating as a hoax.

Schools across Scotland received threatening messages on 19 October, prompting immediate evacuations at several locations. Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating the communications as a hoax.

Schools in East Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and Glasgow were among those affected. Staff at multiple schools, including Leith Primary in Edinburgh, were evacuated around 9.30am after receiving emails claiming bombs had been placed in buildings. Pupils at Muiredge Primary School in Uddingston were moved to Uddingston Old Parish Church while waiting for parents to collect them.

East Renfrewshire Council stated: 'A malicious threat was received by many of our primary and secondary schools on 19 October and staff immediately followed all the relevant procedures. After notifying Police Scotland, the communication is being investigated as a hoax, and our schools are operating as normal.' A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We are aware of threatening messages being sent to a number of schools across Scotland. These are being treated as a hoax and officers are investigating.'

John McGhee, Executive Director of Education Services at Glasgow City Council, told parents the police were treating the threat as a hoax and continuing to investigate the source of the emails. He emphasised that '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 incidents occurred on the first day back at school after the October holidays for many pupils. The same day, more than 150 schools in Northern Ireland received similar bomb threats, which have also not been treated as viable.

How it is being reported

• Police investigating 'threatening messages' sent to schools across ScotlandPolice Scotland is treating threatening messages sent to several schools as a hoax after staff were evacuated during an in-service day. The incidents coincided with more than 150 schools in Northern Ireland receiving similar emails.The Herald · 19 Oct, 11:47
• Police investigating 'threatening messages' sent to schools across ScotlandPolice Scotland is treating threatening messages sent to several schools as a hoax after staff were evacuated during an in-service day. The incidents coincided with more than 150 schools in Northern Ireland receiving similar emails.The Herald · 19 Oct, 11:47
• Schools across Glasgow area receive hoax 'bomb threats' as police launch probePolice have confirmed they are investigating the messages, which were sent "to a number of schools" including in East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire.Glasgow Live · 19 Oct, 11:19
• LIVE as Police Scotland release statement after 'malicious threat' to schoolsEast Renfrewshire Council has confirmed a 'malicious threat' was sent to schools across the area which has now been deemed a hoaxGlasgow Times · 19 Oct, 10:54

In this story: Police Scotland · East Renfrewshire Council · Glasgow City Council · Scotland · Northern Ireland

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