Tyrone schools impacted by bomb threat

A NUMBER of Tyrone schools have been evacuated amid an ongoing security threat across Northern Ireland.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received reports on Monday, October 19, of an email sent to a number of schools across Northern Ireland.

“As a result of this email, police are conducting urgent enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question. An update will be provided in due course.”

Among the schools affected locally include Richmond Primary School, Ballygawley.

Today police in Scotland are reporting that they are dealing with a similar email sent to Scottish schools.

Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen has strongly condemned those responsible for this morning’s threats against 160 schools across the province.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP said: “While the Education Minister has stated this morning that it ‘would appear this isn’t a viable threat’, the situation remains extremely concerning and is causing significant anxiety and distress for parents, children and school staff across my constituency and beyond.

“Those responsible for these threats must be held accountable. It is completely unacceptable that children, parents and teaching staff have been left facing this level of fear and disruption on a Monday morning. No school community should ever have to deal with a situation like this.

“I hope the PSNI and the Education Authority continue to work closely with affected schools to provide clear information, reassurance and support to concerned families.

“I would urge parents, pupils and the wider community to follow the guidance issued by their schools and the relevant authorities, and to avoid sharing unverified information that could cause further alarm.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND EMAIL LAST WEEK

Media in the Republic of Ireland reported a similar story at last week.

In a statement, gardaí confirmed they were aware that the communication was sent to “a number of educational establishments”.

“Gardaí are currently assessing the contents and credibility of that communication,” a spokesperson said.

“Gardaí are engaging with a number of educational establishments.”

The Irish Department of Education said it had been made aware of the email and had consulted with gardaí.

“A number of schools received a threatening email,” a department spokesperson said, as reported by The Journal.

Schools that received the email were advised to report the threat to gardaí.

The department said this advice had been communicated to schools, boards of management, management bodies and unions.

However, it said schools could continue operating as normal unless otherwise instructed by gardaí.

“The department will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any further advice as required,” the spokesperson added.

According to media reports some 150 schools were impacted by the email last week in the south, including schools in Donegal and Cork.

The email was criculated to southern schools on Wednesday, which coincided with industrial action in schools.

This story will be updated.

• Are you a parent who has been impacted? – email your thoughts to: [email protected]