Police make arrest after ‘malicious’ email forces Leeds schools into lockdown | UK News

Although the nature of the emails has not been disclosed, one primary school headteacher told parents they were treating the threats as ‘credible,’ and that children were being kept indoors all day.

West Yorkshire police have since announced they are launching an investigation into the matter.

In its statement, the force said: ‘Officers have commenced an investigation into a potential malicious communications offence and have now made an arrest in connection with the matter.’

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

A message sent to parents at Sharp Lane Primary earlier today says the school has been placed in a ‘soft invacuation’, with all gates, doors and windows to remain closed.

It continued: ‘We have no further information regarding the threat at this time but please be reassured that Sharp Lane Primary School has not received a direct threat, and the children and staff are safe.’

According to Leeds Live, other schools in the area believed to be affected include Richmond Hill Academy, Ruth Gorse Academy, Sharp Lane Primary School, Windmill Primary School, Beeston Primary School and Clapgate Primary School.

Schools are expected to continue as normal tomorrow.

Gildersome Primary School posted on Facebook this afternoon to reassure parents they were ‘not in lockdown’ but that staff were being ‘extra vigilant’ following the threats.

‘To reinforce, there is no threat to our site, we are just being extra cautious as advised by the local authority,’ they stated.

‘This is being investigated by police and officers are providing reassurance and safety advice to affected schools.’

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of an ongoing situation relating to emails received by a number of schools in Leeds and we are working closely with West Yorkshire Police to monitor the situation and provide support to schools.’

Meanwhile, a Bradford Council spokesperson 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.’

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