Statement from Education Minister Paul Givan on threatening emails to schools

Education Minister Paul Givan has condemned the actions of those who issued a threatening email to schools in Northern Ireland today.

Paul Givan said: I want to absolutely condemn the actions of those who sought to disrupt our education system today by issuing threatening emails to our schools.

The PSNI has now confirmed that they consider these emails to be a hoax with similar emails received by some schools across the UK. I want to reassure schools that following checks, the PSNI has not found anything untoward at this time. Schools should continue to operate as normal.

I recognise that this has caused huge alarm and distress among pupils, parents and school staff and I understand that schools have had to make decisions in the best interests of their pupils and staff. This has unfortunately led to a number of school closures.

My Department will continue to work with the PSNI and the Education Authority and we will continue to engage with the PSNI as their enquiries continue.

"The PSNI urges everyone, in the meantime, to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately.