Six youths have been arrested after videos appeared on social media ‘threatening to bomb a school’ in Sunderland.

A teenage boy was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of malicious communication in connection with the video threats.

Another two youths were arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and three others were arrested on suspicion of assault.

The online videos, which have been removed from social media, were said to show schoolboys threatening male pupils from another school.

Northumbria Police say there is nothing to suggest the offences were racially motivated.

Police say they are working with schools in Sunderland and have had extra officers on patrol in the city on Friday afternoon.

Chief Inspector Mark Hall said: “I want to reassure local residents and parents that we are treating these incidents very seriously and are working with British Transport Police, local schools and Sunderland City Council to address the issues.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

“There will be a visible police presence around schools in the city this afternoon to prevent any further disorder and these patrols will continue over the weekend in the areas we know young people gather.”

Councillor Harry Trueman, Chair of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, said: “The City Council is working with schools and community safety partners to support the police in taking appropriate action.

“Police are engaging with the schools involved and providing reassurance with extra officers on patrol in the areas around them.”