Malicious email threats leads to chaos in Bradford schools

A number of those schools were put into emergency lockdowns, with parents said to be “absolutely freaked out” by the situation - despite school leaders urging people not to panic.

West Yorkshire Police is investigating an email that was sent to schools in Bradford and Leeds

The force revealed in an update on Thursday afternoon it had arrested someone in relation to malicious email.

In a message to parents on Thursday afternoon, Bradford Forster Academy revealed more details about the nature of the email.

The school told parents it was remaining vigilant, stating: " This morning about 15 schools in Bradford and many in Leeds received a threatening email detailing a potential attack that was to be made on school.

"We were not one of the schools targeted."

The Telegraph & Argus was made aware that Killinghall Primary School, Copthorne Primary School and Wellington Primary School, all in Bradford, had taken action in response to the email, while Sharp Lane Primary School and Gildersome Primary School, both in Leeds, were also impacted.

In a message sent to parents from Killinghall Primary School, a spokesperson said: "I am writing to let you know that school is currently in lockdown. Nobody is coming in or going out.

"Please do not panic. Several schools are currently taking this precaution, on the advice of the police. Children are safe in school."

A large amount of concerned parents got in touch with The T&A expressing their “distress” and “worry” about the situation, with a lack of communication causing them anxiety.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, even pulled her children out of Copthorne Primary School for the day after it reopened and revealed the setting had been in lockdown for two hours, with the shutters down, and described parents as being “absolutely freaked out”.

She said: “At breaktime in the morning, they were playing in the playground.

“Then there was a police presence in the playground and they were told to get inside the building and remain in the building."

Another said a message sent by Killinghall Primary School informed parents and guardians of a “lockdown” at the setting and urged parents and guardians not to panic.

West Yorkshire Police said it had not told schools to lockdown or stated the threats were “credible”.

A full statement said: "Police are aware of an email which has been sent to a number of schools in Leeds and Bradford today.

"The contents of the email are being investigated by police and officers are providing reassurance and safety advice to affected schools. 

"Contrary to some reports the force has not issued guidance to schools to ‘lockdown’ and has not stated the threats are credible.

"Officers have commenced an investigation into a potential malicious communications offence and have now made an arrest in connection with the matter.

"We are aware that schools in other parts of country have received similar malicious emails in recent days."

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: "We are aware that a number of schools in West Yorkshire, including the Bradford District, received an email today which is being investigated by the police.

"Police officers are providing reassurance and safety advice to affected schools.  We are supporting our schools as they follow this advice. The safety of everyone in our schools is of course our top priority.”

Tom Bright, Bradford branch secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), told the T&A the number of schools affected in Bradford was “in the teens”.

He also shed light on the origins of the email and said the circulation seemed “fairly indiscriminate”.

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.”

The union official described it as likely being a “publicity stunt”.

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 on Thursday.

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

Exceed Aacademies Trust, which runs Copthorne Primary School, and Wellington Primary School refused to comment when contacted by the T&A.