Schools 'explosive device' email not viable threat - education minister

The Education Minister Paul Givan said an email threatening that "an explosive device" is located within 160 schools in Northern Ireland was not being treated as a "viable threat".

Givan said that the email has "caused huge alarm" and condemned the "level of disruption caused to young people's education".

Some schools have closed after receiving the email, however others have decided to stay open and are taking advice from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Givan added that he is "hugely disappointed" that some schools have had to close.

One school in Lambeg emailed parents to say that they should "come immediately" and collect children ading: "Please don't panic the children are all safe."

Givan said his department is working with the PSNI.

The PSNI said it received reports regarding "an email sent to a number of schools across Northern Ireland".

"As a result of this email, police are conducting urgent enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question. An update will be provided in due course."

The Education Authority (EA) said it is "aware" of the email.

"We recognise the concern this may cause for school leaders, staff, pupils and families," a spokesperson for the EA said.

"We are engaging closely with the PSNI and will act on their advice. Communications have been issued to schools, and we continue to support school leaders and keep them informed."