Bradford schools hit by malicious email threat 'in the teens'

Tom Bright, Bradford branch secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), has spoken to the T&A about Bradford schools hit by malicious email threats, which had been circulated to schools in Greater Manchester and Cheshire yesterday and America last week.

Mr Bright said: “This threat has hit a number of Bradford schools today. It’s not just one or two schools, I think it’s in the teens.”

Although he did not say which schools were specifically affected, he said the emails seemed “fairly indiscriminate” as to which schools received them.

Mr Bright said: “I’ve not spoken directly with any of our members about it but they are aware of the advice that’s been given to schools.

“But I have been in conversation and meetings with Bradford’s Children’s Service Education Department discussing the threats to schools.

“It started in America last week and Manchester and Cheshire yesterday. It doesn’t sound like a credible threat but schools are being advised to have the appropriate protections in place.

“There will be heightened security and any visitors will have to be sure they are entitled to be there.

“Schools do normally practice this kind of thing at this time of year with children coming back to school.

He said it was likely a “publicity stunt” but he added: “Unfortunately there are people around who could cause harm”.

“Schools need to review their procedures in light of the threats and ask what safeguarding we have and how we look after our children to keep them safe.

“We recognise the risk and know that we are responsible for the children in our care.

“Schools will be making sure they review procedures that ensure they provide a safe place for children.”

Mr Bright also anticipated that a lot of schools would be sending letters home with their children today.

He added: "We let the police do their bit and hope they track down the IP address of where these emails orginated."