A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications after he allegedly sent threatening emails to nine schools in Sheffield.
The 17-year-old boy is still currently in custody after South Yorkshire Police received a report an email had been sent in which he threatened to “cause harm” and was “in possession of a firearm” at 6.38am this morning.
The force say there is no evidence to suggest the threat is genuine and the nine schools have not been named.
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police told GB News: “At 6.38am today (Monday 14 April) we received a report that a male sent an email to nine schools across Sheffield in which he threatened he would cause harm and was in possession of a firearm.
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications after he allegedly sent threatening emails to nine schools in Sheffield (stock image)
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“We understand that this will be concerning for parents, pupils and staff in our community and reassure you that immediately following the reports officers worked at pace and have found no evidence to suggest the threat is genuine.
“A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and remains in custody at this time.
“Our investigation remains on-going and neighbourhood policing patrols are taking place today at the locations mentioned in the email as a further precaution, and to provide reassurance to residents.
“Our officers are there to help, please speak to them if you have concerns.”
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Schools in Sheffield received an email in which the teenager threatened to ’cause harm’ and was ‘in possession of a firearm’
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It comes as Stella Creasy, Labour & Co-op MP for Walthamstow, posted on social media earlier today to share that St Mary’s School in her constituency had also received a threatening email.
In the post on X, she wrote: “Walthamstow have now had further update on situation with St Mary’s School so can provide this new information.
“The threat received has been made primarily to schools in the South Yorkshire area- no other schools outside of this area except St Mary’s school affected.
“There is nothing to suggest in either the threat made or the schools involved any faith connection to this incident.
“The school have made arrangements to support the children attending the nursery offsite so if your child is one of those please do contact them for further details.”
Anyone with further information should contact the police on 101.
