Number of Ayrshire schools targeted by 'hoax bomb threat'

The threatening message was sent to dozens of educational establishments across Scotland, but Police Scotland has advised the public that it is not treating the threat as genuine. 

It has been confirmed by both North and South Ayrshire Councils that a number of schools received "malicious communications but were not deemed credible".

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a number of our schools received malicious communications which have been deemed not credible.

"We are liaising with Police Scotland, who are currently investigating similar incidents across the country."

Police Scotland confirmed that the emails are being treated as a hoax and are under investigation.

It said: “Police Scotland received more than 300 calls after threatening messages were sent to a number of schools across Scotland.

“These messages are being treated as a hoax. Officers and staff from Police Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Unit are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the source.

“For information about specific schools, contact the relevant local authority.”

East Ayrshire Council issued a letter to all parents and carers this afternoon through the school app from director of education and skills Linda McAulay-Griffiths.

It read: "You may be aware that a threatening email has been sent to many schools across Scotland over the past few days. This email was sent to all schools in East Ayrshire today.

"Police Scotland has issued a statement advising that it is being treated as a hoax communication and that they are investigating. There is currently no information to suggest any cause for concern.

"As children and young people return to school tomorrow, I would like to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of our children, young people and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland and be guided by them.

"Our staff look forward to welcoming children and young people back to school tomorrow."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from South Ayrshire Council said: “We are aware that a number of schools across Scotland, including in South Ayrshire, received threatening emails this morning.

"The safety and wellbeing of our school communities is our priority, and we immediately liaised with Police Scotland.

"Following their advice, the emails are being treated as a hoax. As such, no schools have been evacuated. Monday, October 19 is an in-service day in South Ayrshire schools and, while pupils are not attending today, school staff have been kept informed.”

The Scottish Government has also said that it was informed about the hoax threats.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware that threatening messages have been sent to a number of schools across Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. Police Scotland is investigating and treating [them] as a hoax.”