Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt Schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Authorities investigate 'Islamist' threats that caused widespread school closures and alarm, though deemed not viable.
Schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland were forced to close on Monday following a series of bomb threats that authorities believe to be hoaxes. The threats, signed "Allahu Akbar," were sent to numerous educational institutions, causing significant disruption and alarm among students, staff, and families.
In Northern Ireland, Education Minister Paul Givan stated that 160 schools received the warning. He described the threat as appearing to originate from "Islamists threatening that Sharia law will be brought into our country." While acknowledging the considerable distress caused, Givan emphasized that the advice to schools was that the threat was not considered viable. "This is something that ought to be condemned by everybody, and I am hugely disappointed that for some schools they have had to close," he said.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed its officers were urgently investigating the incident. Givan also mentioned that PSNI leadership had met with the Education Authority to discuss the situation.
Similar threats were reported in Scotland. Police Scotland indicated that a number of schools had received comparable messages. Glasgow City Council reported that 148 schools within its jurisdiction and surrounding areas had received threatening messages.
The Education Authority in Northern Ireland issued a statement acknowledging the emails and the concern they generated. The authority confirmed it was working closely with the PSNI and would follow their guidance. Communications were distributed to schools, with ongoing support provided to school leaders and regular updates being issued.