Hoax emails sent to Merseyside schools spark police investigation

Merseyside Police are investigating malicious hoax emails sent to multiple schools in the region. A man has been arrested as part of the inquiry.

Merseyside schools targeted by hoax email communications

Merseyside Police are investigating a series of hoax malicious communications sent to multiple schools across the region, wirralglobe.co.uk reports.

Detectives are working to identify those responsible after a number of schools received similar emails. All communications are currently believed to be hoaxes.

Superintendent Karl Baldwin issued an update on Tuesday, stating: "We are aware of the concern that was caused yesterday, following emails containing malicious communications being received by multiple schools."

Baldwin added that the investigation is ongoing: "We are continuing to investigate to identify the person, or persons, responsible. We urge everyone not to share information that you do not know to be true. The matter is being treated as a hoax."

A man has been arrested in connection with the inquiry, though police continue to seek anyone else who may be involved.

Superintendent Baldwin confirmed that no additional reports had been received since the initial wave of emails, and that schools were open as normal. He noted that an increased police presence in and around school areas should not be interpreted as a sign of genuine threat.

"This is purely to provide support and reassurance and is in no way an indication that we consider there to be any real world threat to any school," he said.

Baldwin thanked schools and partners for their co-operation, citing "the calmness with which the matter was dealt with."

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to approach an officer directly or submit information via Merseyside Police's online reporting tool.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)