Police investigating hoax communications to schools

MALICIOUS hoax communications to schools are being investigated by South Yorkshire Police and other forces across the country.

The investigation is being spearheaded by the National Crime Agency.

South Yorkshire Police would not say whether any schools in Rotherham have been targeted by the hoaxers, or what the communications were.

A spokeswoman said: “At this stage there is no information to suggest the incidents are terrorist-related or that there is any credibility contained within the communication.

“Forces continue to work together, with partners and schools to investigate who is responsible and whether incidents are linked.

“Police take hoaxes extremely seriously. They divert police resources and cause disruption and alarm to the public.” 

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

An National Crime Agency spokesman told the Advertiser: “We understand people’s concerns and we are taking the communications extremely seriously but we stress there is no credible threat.

“The National Crime Agency is leading the investigation and liaising with our partners in law enforcement and the Department for Education.”