Co Derry schools continue to operate as normal following 'hoax' email

A short time ago, police investigating the circumstances of threatening emails sent to schools across the North say they are treating the matter as a hoax.

Up to 300 schools to date have reported to police receiving the same emailed message which contained a generalised threat.

It is believed similar emails have been received by some schools across the UK.

The email, which is believed to have originated from outside the UK, states ‘death is near’ in the subject line.

The sender of the email claims that ‘an explosive device containing ammonium nitrate (ANFO) is currently located inside the building’.

Across County Derry, it is believed a number of schools have received the sinister email.

Among them is Termoncanice Primary School in Limavady.

It is understood the school has been in touch with the Education Authority, CCMS and the PSNI.

The school stated that a member of the local principal’s cluster has also met directly with Limavady PSNI regarding the situation.

“The school premises have been thoroughly checked by staff and no concerns have been identified. At present, the school remains open and normal activities are continuing.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: "We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, not to mention the disruption it has caused in some school communities and for students and parents.

"Our enquiries are ongoing, however, at this stage we consider risk to the public as low. We will continue to liaise with schools impacted and have been working closely with the Department of Education and the Education Authority this morning to provide reassurance.”

Education Minister Paul Givan has condemned the actions of those who issued the threatening email to schools.

Paul Givan said: “I want to absolutely condemn the actions of those who sought to disrupt our education system today by issuing threatening emails to our schools.

“The PSNI has now confirmed that they consider these emails to be a hoax with similar emails received by some schools across the UK. I want to reassure schools that following checks, the PSNI has not found anything untoward at this time. Schools should continue to operate as normal.

“I recognise that this has caused huge alarm and distress among pupils, parents and school staff and I understand that schools have had to make decisions in the best interests of their pupils and staff. This has unfortunately led to a number of school closures.

“My Department will continue to work with the PSNI and the Education Authority and we will continue to engage with the PSNI as their enquiries continue.”