Ministers insisted that the findings showed that schools have "raised their game"

Elmgrove Primary School in east Belfast is to close on Friday due to a 'communication of a threatening nature' sent via email.

The school, situated on the Beersbridge Road, said on its website that it would be closed due to "unforeseen circumstances".

The PSNI said a cross-border police investigation has been launched and that extra police patrols have been deployed to the area.

PSNI Superintendent Darrin Jones said: "Police in Belfast are investigating a report of malicious telecommunications regarding a school in the East Belfast area which was reported on Wednesday.

"The communication was of a threatening nature. An extensive investigation is currently ongoing to identify the whereabouts of the individual involved and Police are working with An Garda Síochána.

"Police have deployed additional officers to the local community to keep people safe and to provide visible reassurance."

Alliance MP Naomi Long said the threat was "reckless in the extreme".

"I have spoken to the police and have been reassured they are fully investigating a definite line of enquiry," she said.

"I want to praise them for putting extra police around the school, and extend that commendation to the Belfast Education and Library Board and school staff, who took decisive action in handling this situation.

"Elmgrove's closure is only a precaution but it was a wise one to take. The receiving of this malicious communication is deeply concerning and brings nothing but stress and disruption to the children of the school, as well as local residents."

Information for parents of Elmgrove Primary School: pic.twitter.com/oMGNH9DPQh — Naomi Long MP (@naomi_long) January 22, 2015

Belfast Telegraph