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A counter-terror investigation is underway after a "malicious" threat to kill non-Muslim students at a secondary school was posted online.

The message was uploaded to Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat and was directed towards McAuley Catholic High School in Doncaster, South Yorks.

It has been reported that post read: "We have our sights set on you and by Allah we will kill every single infidel student at this school McAuleySchoolMassacre".

Now parents have been advised to report "anything of concern" and not to reply to any unsolicited emails as terror police investigate the incident.

A spokesman said the school would remain open but there would be a continued police presence.

An image of a "malicious" post on Instagram went viral hours before the school contacted parents which prompted concern.

(Image: Guzelian)

One mother who learned of the incident on social media pulled her 15-year-old daughter out of school and has criticised teachers for not making parents aware of the situation until later.

Shanie Varley said: "I found out when Alisha phoned me panicking because she'd seen it on Facebook but no-one was explaining what was going on.

"The post had been seen and then sent on through Snapchat and then Facebook so all the kids knew but the parents weren't told.

"As soon as I got off the phone with her I contacted the school, who said that police were there and that it was 'nothing to worry about'.

"But she's my daughter and I didn't feel safe so I got her dad to pick her up and bring her to work with me where she's been doing revision."

A statement from the school explained the matter is being investigated by police.

The statement said: "The matter that has been reported is currently being investigated by the police.

"At this time pupils and parents are advised not to reply to any unsolicited emails or social media and to report anything of concern to the school/police.

(Image: Darren O'Brien/Guzelian)

"A continued police presence will be provided whilst the investigation continues and a specialist officer will be in school tomorrow should advice be required.

"At this time both the School and Local Authority, together with the police see no reason to advise pupils to remain away from school and there is no information that would require the school to close."

A statement from the North East Counter Terrorism Unit said: "We can confirm that police have received a report regarding potentially unauthorised and malicious posts made on a social media account.

"This information has now been passed to the North East Counter Terrorism Unit.

"Inquiries to establish the origin of this content are under way and the circumstances will be fully investigated."