Reports of threats made to schools in Greater Manchester

This post is being updated as we receive information through from the authorities

Reporter : Judith Grinter

The Press Association is reporting hundreds of schools across the country have been evacuated after they were sent a bomb hoax demanding money.
More than 400 schools and colleges across the country received an email which claimed a bomb had been planted and would be detonated if cash wasn’t handed over.
The hoax is believed to have originated in the US, but police saying it posed ‘no viable threat’.

14.33  Statement from ACC Vanessa Jardine regarding threats to schools

Specialist officers are continuing to investigate after a number of believed malicious hoax threats were sent to schools across Greater Manchester.
The threats were sent this morning and police are working alongside schools and local authorities to find who is responsible.
At this time the communications are believed to be malicious hoaxes and there is not thought to be any direct threat to our communities.
Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, said: “We have been working closely with schools this morning and have advised them to make contact with parents.
“I understand the concern that this will have caused but we felt it was important to let parents know that we are aware of the reports and are taking action.
“I want to reiterate that there is not believed to be any direct threat following these reports which at this stage, are believed to be malicious hoax communications.
“We are looking in to every single report and will continue to provide updates as soon as we can.”

13.58 Dowson Primary Academy in Hyde has received email threats and has gone into ‘lock-down’

13.31 Schools in Rochdale have confirmed that they have received threats.

12.31 Today, Monday 19 March 2018, police have received a number of reports of threats made to schools across Greater Manchester.

Specialist officers are working to determine the nature of the reports and are speaking directly with the schools and local authorities.

Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, said: “I understand that parents and the general public will be very concerned and I want to assure you that we are working closely with all of the schools to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to understand the full circumstances and although there is not currently believed to be any direct threat, as with any report of this nature, they are all being thoroughly investigated.

“This is an ongoing incident and we will provide updates as soon as we can.”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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