Threatening email that evacuated junior school ruled hoax

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 12:20 · Archive

Norfolk Police have ruled a threatening email that led to the evacuation of hundreds of pupils from Firside Junior School in Norfolk a hoax.

A threatening email prompted the evacuation of hundreds of pupils from Firside Junior School in Norfolk last week. The school moved around 345 pupils a mile down the road to Hellesdon High School, where some spent the day while others were collected by their parents. Norfolk Police have now ruled the email a hoax. A police spokeswoman said: 'Our inquiries indicate there was no credible threat associated with the message received by the school, which has now been assessed as a hoax. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.'

Parents were notified of the evacuation by email. The school said the threatening message was 'designed to disrupt the school day'. Some parents expressed concern about the way the school handled notifications. One father, who worked night shifts, said he was panicked by the situation and questioned why the school had not called families directly rather than sending an email. Another parent said she had few concerns, calling Hellesdon High School 'a fantastic school'. Wensum Trust, which runs Firside Junior School, confirmed that 'everyone is safe, calm and fully accounted for' and that pupils were supervised by staff throughout.

How it is being reported

• Threatening email that led to evacuation of hundreds of school children ruled a hoaxNorfolk Police say the threatening email behind Firside Junior School evacuation was a hoax as inquiries continue.Eastern Daily Press · 22 Oct, 11:40
• Threatening email that led to evacuation of hundreds of school children ruled a hoaxNorfolk Police say the threatening email behind Firside Junior School evacuation was a hoax as inquiries continue.Norwich Evening News · 22 Oct, 11:40

In this story: Firside Junior School · Hellesdon High School · Norfolk Police · Wensum Trust · Norfolk

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