Nearly 800 Schools Evacuated Across Scotland and Northern Ireland in Hoax Bomb Threats

LONDON, Nov 11 (OPA) — More than 470 schools in Scotland and at least 300 institutions in Northern Ireland received threatening emails Wednesday morning warning of an explosive device. Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland activated emergency protocols, sending thousands of pupils home or onto sports fields in plunging temperatures.

Police Scotland stated that the messages were immediately assessed and treated as hoaxes. 'Our enquiries have established that there is nothing to suggest that they represent a credible threat or that there is any wider threat to the public,' a force spokesman said. Despite police guidance that evacuations were unnecessary, many headteachers acted out of caution, prompting widespread disruption for families and staff.

The malicious emails followed a similar nationwide incident last month in Scotland, which was also identified as a hoax. International authorities reported parallel threats, with Italy's education ministry noting that more than 300 schools received similar emails. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed a government meeting was convened, stating there was no concrete danger to students.

Police Scotland's Cyber and Fraud Unit launched extensive investigations to trace the origin of the messages. Law enforcement agencies across the UK and internationally continue to collaborate. Officials reiterated that no school closures or student withdrawals are required based solely on the unverified email contents as inquiries progress.