School evacuated over 'malicious communication'

A school has been evacuated and pupils sent home early after police received a report of a "malicious communication".

Coquet Community School in Amble, Northumberland, cleared students from its main building to the old sports hall of the former James Calvert Spence College earlier and reassured parents all pupils were "safe and well".

Northumbria Police confirmed it had been called out at about 09:00 GMT. An ambulance crew and two hazardous area response crews were also sent to the school.

In a message to parents on social media, headteacher James Andriot said: "I hope you can support us with your understanding, we have prioritised the safety of everyone in this matter."

He said the school was hoping to arrange an earlier pick-up for children who had arrived by bus, and those who were dropped off could be picked up from the old James Calvert car park.

Mobile phones collected from pupils could not be returned until after the weekend, he said.

The force said the school's management had made the decision to evacuate the building "as a precaution" and asked people to avoid the area.

"Emergency services attended the scene and officers have carried out a thorough search of the school premises," a spokesperson said.

"A small number of officers remain at the site to provide reassurance to staff, pupils and parents."

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