Schools plunged into lockdown & pupils kept inside classrooms after ‘threatening emails’
MULTIPLE schools have been put in lockdown after receiving "threatening emails" with cops urgently investigating.
Cardinal Hume Catholic School students have not been allowed to leave the school in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, after the messages were received overnight.
The school said the site had been checked and secured and pupil safety remained its priority.
The force said it was told of a number of threats to primary and secondary schools just before 9am today.
Northumbria Police told the BBC it had received a report of "malicious communications".
A number of schools then went into voluntary lockdown as a "precautionary measure".
Police officers are also attending schools to provide reassurance.
Cardinal Hume School told the BBC that police have asked parents not to come to the school as increased numbers on site could add to any potential danger.
A screenshot of one email sent to parents read: "The site has been checked and secured. We ask parents to stay calm.
"Police have advised that parents should not arrive at school as we cannot allow pupils to leave the site and increased numbers on the site may add to any potential risk."
A force spokesperson said: "Officers are currently in attendance to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to the public.
"A decision has been made by some of the schools involved to go into a voluntary lockdown as a precautionary measure."
It comes as cops investigated similar reports at other schools in Birmingham.
This included Mere Green Primary School in Sutton Coldfield, which said it received a message with a "threat of firearms" yesterday, reports Birmingham Live.
Classroom blinds were pulled down and break time held indoors as a precaution.
More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.