Threatening emails reported by over 300 NI schools treated as hoax

Wednesday 11 November 2026

More than 300 schools across Northern Ireland have reported receiving a threatening email this morning, with police treating the message as a hoax and assessing the risk to the public as low.

Police said checks had not found anything untoward at this stage. Enquiries are continuing into the identical message, which police said originated outside the UK.

The assessment is based on enquiries and information available so far. Police also believe some schools in Scotland have received similar emails.

Reassurance for pupils and parents

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally acknowledged the concern caused by the threats sent on Wednesday morning.

He said:

“We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, school communities and for students and parents.

”Our enquiries are ongoing, however, at this stage we consider risk to the public as low. We will continue to liaise with schools impacted and have been working closely with the Department of Education and the Education Authority this morning to provide reassurance.“

Enquiries continue into threatening message

The figure of more than 300 schools reflects reports made to police so far. Each reported receiving the same emailed message containing a threat.

Police are continuing their investigation while urging people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.

ACC McNally said:

“We urge everyone, in the meantime, to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”