More than 300 schools in Northern Ireland receive hoax threat emails

Detailed summary

LONDON -- Over 300 schools reported receiving the same threat email that the police said was "a hoax," according to a statement released Wednesday by the Police Service of…

LONDON -- Over 300 schools reported receiving the same threat email that the police said was "a hoax," according to a statement released Wednesday by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

"Police investigating the circumstances of threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning, Wednesday 11th November, are treating the matter as a hoax," the statement said, adding that the email was originated from outside Britain.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said the risk to the public at this stage is "low."

"This message bears similarities to a previous threat issued last month, which was investigated by PSNI and declared a hoax," the Department of Education of Northern Ireland said on social media on Wednesday.

It added that unless otherwise advised by the PSNI, schools should stay open.

On Oct 19, about 160 schools across Northern Ireland received bomb threats by email, prompting evacuations and school closures.

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