Schools in UK evacuated after threatening emails received

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 19 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

Schools across Northern Ireland and Scotland have been evacuated after receiving threatening emails, which police are treating as hoaxes.

More than 160 schools in Northern Ireland received threatening emails on Monday, 19 October. St Colman's Primary School in Lambeg and Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI) were among those affected. Parents were urged to collect children immediately following the evacuations.

Schools across Scotland also received similar messages. Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating threatening messages sent to schools in Edinburgh, Fife and South Lanarkshire. The Record understands staff were told buildings would close until further notice. Police in both Northern Ireland and Scotland are treating the threats as hoaxes and say they are not viable.

Stormont education minister Paul Givan said the emails appeared to come from those "threatening that Sharia law will be brought into our country". The messages reportedly stated "an explosive device" had been placed in schools. Givan said the threats had "clearly caused huge alarm" and "disruption caused to young people's education", which he "absolutely condemn[s]". Police said they are conducting urgent enquiries and liaising with schools affected.

How it is being reported

• LIVE as schools evacuated across Scotland over 'threatening messages'Police are investigating 'threatening' messages which have been sent to schools across Scotland, sparking multiple evacuationsThe National · 19 Oct, 11:25
• Schools in Scotland evacuated amid bomb threats as buildings 'closed'A number of schools have been closed in South Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and Fife after the incident on Monday morning.Daily Record · 19 Oct, 11:09
• Schools across Scotland evacuated after receiving 'threatening messages'Police are investigating 'threatening' messages which have been sent to schools across Scotland, sparking multiple evacuationsThe National · 19 Oct, 11:07
• Northern Ireland schools evacuated after 'threat' email as parents urged to collect childrenA number of schools in Northern Ireland have been evacuated after receiving a "threat" email this morning, with parents being told to collect their children immediately.Daily Record · 19 Oct, 10:05

In this story: Northern Ireland · Scotland · Paul Givan · Police Service of Northern Ireland · Police Scotland · St Colman's Primary School · Royal Belfast Academical Institution · Edinburgh

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem