Pupils have been turned away from schools in County Tyrone and County Antrim, Northern Ireland, this morning after “security concerns”. A statement issued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had acted after several received a threatening email was sent to a number of schools in Enniskillen, Strabane and Ballycastle.
It added: “As a result of this email, we are conducting enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question and also with the Metropolitan Police in London.” In a social media post, Holy Cross College in Strabane, which has 1,500 pupils, wrote: “Unfortunately the school has had to close today due to a security concern. “Any children already on route, we would ask that parents make arrangements to collect them. We will update you all as soon as possible this morning.
“Please share our closure notice with friends and family of Holy Cross College.”
Additionally, Ballycastle School and Cross & Passion College confirmed they were closed, also via social media, explaining: “Unfortunately the school has had to close today due to a security concern.”
St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Primary School on the Moyle Road also posted: “School closed until further notice.
“We will update you when we know more.”
Disruption was also reported at Enniskillen Integrated Primary School and Nursery, Erne Integrated College and Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.
A spokesman for the college told the Impartial Reporter website: “Due to a security alert this morning, traffic around the school and Erne Integrated Primary is extremely backed up.
“We are open as normal, after the all clear was given by the PSNI.”
The schools understood to be affected are: Strabane Academy; Strabane Primary School (Derry Road); Holy Cross College Strabane; Cross & Passion College in Ballycastle; Enniskillen Integrated Primary School and Nursery; Erne Integrated College and Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.
DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Debroah Erskine said: “Early this morning I was in touch with the local police regarding the despicable emails sent to schools in this area. “Sadly the individual behind it sought to cause havoc across many schools in NI and elsewhere.
“This would have been a very scary incident to occur for the school leadership and the staff, as they continue to put everyone’s safety at their highest priority.
“I paid tribute to them for their quick thinking and their leadership this morning. Also to the PSNI who have been assisting at the affected schools and will be continuing investigations. I have been in touch with the schools involved locally to offer my support.”
DUP Cllr for Ballymoney, Darry Wilson added: “I am deeply concerned to learn that several schools across Northern Ireland, including within our own borough, are closed this morning due to security concerns. At this stage, there are very few details available, and I would urge parents, guardians, and staff to monitor relevant school social media pages for updates.
“Actions such as these, which disrupt education and cause unnecessary fear and anxiety, must be wholly condemned by all. The safety and well-being of our children, teachers, and school communities must always be our priority.”
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