Schools across Scotland targeted with ‘threatening messages’

Schools across Scotland have been targeted with “threatening messages”, with police launching an investigation.

Police Scotland said it was treating the incidents as a hoax. STV News has contacted all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities.

Many schools across the country are still on holiday, some have an in-service day on Monday, and others have returned after their October break has finished.

Glasgow City Council said some schools had been evacuated but had since returned inside.

West Dunbartonshire and South Lanarkshire councils confirmed police were investigating.

Midlothian and Shetland councils said they had received no threats.

Last week, nurseries and primary schools in East Lothian received an “Islamist” bomb threat. STV News understands police were treating the incident as a hoax.

“We are aware of threatening messages being sent to a number of schools across Scotland,” a Police Scotland spokesperson said.

“These are being treated as a hoax and officers are investigating.”

In Northern Ireland, some 160 schools have received “Islamist” bomb threats which are not being treated as viable, Stormont Education minister Paul Givan has said.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received reports today, 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.”

More to follow…