Liverpool schools locked down after threatening emails, police call it a hoax

Multiple Liverpool secondary schools received threatening emails on Friday, prompting at least one to activate lockdown procedures. Merseyside Police believe the communications to be hoaxes.

Liverpool schools targeted by threatening emails, Gateacre activates lockdown

At least one Liverpool school activated enhanced safety procedures on Friday morning after a threatening communication was sent to multiple schools across the city, the Daily Express reports.

Gateacre School in Belle Vale was among those targeted, implementing its established lockdown protocols after staff received what was described as "a communication containing a threat of violence." The school emailed parents and guardians to inform them of the situation.

"The school day has started safely, and all pupils and staff are safe," the message read. "Our response is being coordinated with Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police, and we are following the advice and guidance provided to us."

The school urged parents not to attempt to enter the site or collect their children unless specifically asked to do so. "This is important in allowing us, the police and other agencies to maintain the safety," the email stated.

Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School also notified families. Headteacher Karen Smyth said the school had reported the matter to police and followed its own protocols. "All children and staff are safe and well," Smyth told parents. "There is no reason for parents/carers to come to school. School is operating as usual."

Merseyside Police confirmed that enquiries were ongoing and that the majority of Liverpool secondary schools appeared to have been targeted. A force spokesperson said: "A number of schools have received similar email communications and enquiries are ongoing. At this stage, these are all believed to be hoaxes, and we will be looking to identify those involved and take appropriate action."

Chief Inspector Chris Bland sought to reassure the public. "We understand that parents and carers will be concerned and as a result we are liaising with all schools and providing advice and reassurance as enquiries continue," Bland said. "Based on the information we have received and assessed, there has been no requirement for those schools to close."

Police have not announced any arrests in connection with the communications.

Source: Daily Express