Threatening emails sent to Northern Ireland schools condemned

UPPER Bann MP Carla Lockhart has condemned threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland, describing the incident as deeply concerning and expressing her support for pupils, parents, teachers, and school staff affected.

The independent unionist MP said that threats made against schools are completely unacceptable and unreservedly condemned the actions of those responsible, noting this is the second threat issued to schools in less than a month, and the third this year.

She stated that those responsible for issuing these threats are causing unnecessary anxiety and distress, emphasizing that schools, pupils, and staff who work tirelessly to educate and support children should never be subjected to this kind of intimidation.

Highlighting that schools should be safe places where children can learn and develop, she added that any attempt to cause fear and disruption within the education system is deeply irresponsible and has justifiably caused considerable anxiety among pupils, parents, and staff.

Ms Lockhart noted her understanding that the Education Authority is liaising with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) following this latest spate of threats, urging everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

She acknowledged the work undertaken by school principals, the Education Authority, and police in responding to these communications and implementing appropriate safety measures.

Concluding her statement, she stressed that the Education Authority and the PSNI must thoroughly investigate who is responsible for making these hugely concerning threats, stating that such incidents must stop and noting that despite this being the third threatening email sent to schools this year, there is no evidence that anyone has been arrested or held to account.

Alongside this DUP MLA Gareth Wilson has also condemned those responsible for a threatening email sent to hundreds of schools across Northern Ireland, describing the incident as a "sick and reckless act" and expressing concern that it follows a similar threat against schools only weeks ago. Mr Wilson commented:

'I utterly condemn those responsible for this latest threat against schools across Northern Ireland.

While the PSNI has advised that this email is being treated as a hoax, the fear, anxiety and disruption caused to pupils, parents and school staff is very real.

What is particularly disturbing is that this follows a similar incident only a matter of weeks ago. Following that previous threat, I wrote to the PSNI seeking assurances that every possible effort was being made to identify those responsible and prevent further incidents.

Unfortunately, today's events demonstrate why that work is so important. School communities should not have to endure repeated threats and uncertainty because of the reckless actions of a small number of individuals.

There is now an even greater urgency to identify those responsible and bring this behaviour to an end. I would urge the PSNI to continue pursuing all available lines of enquiry and to ensure that those behind these threats are held fully accountable for the distress and disruption they have caused.

I want to thank school leaders, staff and the PSNI for their swift response today, but our school communities deserve better than having to repeatedly deal with incidents of this nature.'