Schools In London, West Midlands, Cornwall And Paris Evacuated Following International Bomb Hoax

International Bomb Hoax Sees Thousands Of British Pupils Evacuated From Classrooms

Thousands of pupils at 14 schools across England were told to stay at home on Tuesday morning after a series of hoax bomb threats.

Six schools in the West Midlands, four in Cornwall and a further four in London were evacuated - though all have now re-opened.

In an international twist, six schools in Paris were also evacuated as police attempted to secure the buildings.

Oldbury Academy in the West Midlands was one of six schools affected in the region

In what appeared to be a co-ordinated effort, threats were made to schools between 8 and 9 am.

At the same time, a Twitter account claimed responsibility for the hoaxes praising the fall out as it happened.

"Schools in Paris dropping like flies," it tweeted, "How's the West Midlands doing?" The account has since been suspended.

Screengrabs of the Twitter account show the feed before it was suspended

However, it is not believed that any of the threats made on Tuesday were credible.

West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Carl Foulkes, said: “Police intelligence suggests there is no credible threat behind the calls…they mirror the hoaxes several schools received just a few days ago.

“Local police officers have been sent to the affected schools to carry out checks and to offer reassurance.

“A police investigation is underway to find the person responsible for the calls.”

West Midlands: Schools affected

  • Oldbury Academy in Pound Road, Oldbury
  • Holly Lodge High in Holly Lane, Smethwick
  • Bristnall Hall Academy in Bristnall Hall Lane, Oldbury
  • George Slater High School in Claypit Lane, West Bromwich
  • Earls High School in Furnace Lane, Halesowen
  • Four Dwellings Upper School, in Quinton Road West, Quinton

The force would not comment on posts made to social media.

The London Evening Standard reported that among the four schools affected in the capital were Ricard’s Lodge High School in Wimbledon, Raynes Park High School, one school in south-east London and another in west London.

London's Metropolitan Police said: "Police were informed of four separate calls made to schools across London this morning (26 January) claiming a suspicious device had been left at their premises.

"The schools were evacuated as a precaution while the incidents are looked into. These incidents have been stood down.

"At this stage, the incidents are being treated as malicious communications."

A spokesman from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "By 9am, following police attendance and immediate enquiries, there was quickly found to be no threat and no risk to any children or staff. Enquiries are continuing into the matter."

Similarly, an investigation has been launched into the threats made to Paris sixth forms, according to the Telegraph.

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