Teen arrested over email threats to schools

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after threats were made to schools in Sheffield.

Police received reports at 06:38 BST on Monday that a male had emailed nine schools threatening to cause harm and had a firearm.

Officers said there was "no evidence" to suggest the threats were genuine and that it wanted to "reassure" parents, pupils and staff.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and remained in custody, South Yorkshire Police said.

The force said: "Our investigation remains ongoing and neighbourhood policing patrols are taking place today at the locations mentioned in the email as a further precaution, and to provide reassurance to residents."

One primary school in London, which also received a threatening email, closed its doors to pupils.

The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating threats against the school in Walthamstow but added they were not being treated as credible "at this stage".

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy had posted to X earlier reporting the threat against the school in her constituency as well as the locations in Sheffield.

She urged people to only share accurate information on social media.

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