Gardaí investigate threatening emails sent to schools in Ireland and NI

Gardaí are investigating threatening emails that have been received by a number of schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the Department of Education confirmed on Tuesday.

The Department of Education and Youth said it was aware that several schools had been sent the emails this morning and that senior Gardaí had been consulted. An Garda Síochána advised that, after reviewing the threat, there was no need for any school to evacuate, although some schools had taken precautionary measures.

Schools that received the email were instructed to contact emergency services on 999 and to follow Garda advice. The Gardaí have been handling a high volume of calls and will contact each school individually, which may take some time.

Responses from officials and parents

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton said the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff remained the highest priority and that her department was working closely with the Gardaí. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan was also briefed on the matter.

On The Claire Byrne Show, TD Daithi Doolan described the situation at St Michael’s School, Ballyfermot, where an evacuation was carried out as a precaution, and praised the emergency services’ response. He urged that those responsible for the threat be brought to justice.

Recent updates indicated that the issue was not confined to Ireland, with reports that around 300 schools in Italy had also received similar warnings.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Arturo A / Pexels.