Schools were forced into lockdown today after receiving a "threat" concerning the safety of pupils.
Parents were told in emails that schools in Leeds reportedly received information from the council about threatened violence to children and staff. It is unclear what the threat was, but some schools entered a "soft invacuation".
A nursery in Leeds also shut its windows and kept everyone inside, the Mirror understands, although it is not believed to have been directly threatened. Gates and doors have also been closed at schools in Leeds and Bradford. Staff are warning that an individual may attempt to gain access to schools and urging parents to stay vigilant when picking up their child.
Some pupils were kept inside all day, it was reported. Sharp Lane Primary School, Windmill Primary School and Beeston Primary School were al impacted, with Richmond Hill Academy and Ruth Gorse Academy also sent emails.
One school appeared to have its shutters down at one point, according to a parent. Another said they had received a text message from their daughter's school, in the east of Bradford, to say the school was in "emergency lockdown." West Yorkshire Police said: "We are aware of an email which has been sent to a number of schools in West Yorkshire today. This is being investigated by police and officers are providing reassurance and safety advice to affected schools."
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Initial reports suggested the threat was being treated as "credible" by police.
West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: "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 âlockdownâ 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."
The lockdown came as police launched a probe into a "malicious hoax" email sent to schools in Manchester and Cheshire. Officers from Greater Manchester Police had surrounded three schools after the worrying communication was sent on Tuesday.
