Schools across central belt evacuated after bomb threats

Pupils have been evacuated after schools across Scotland were targeted by 'hoax' bomb threats.

By The Newsroom Tuesday, 24th May 2016, 3:04 pm Updated Tuesday, 24th May 2016, 4:12 pm

Picture: John Devlin

Police said the threats are not thought to be credible but a number of schools in areas including Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Perth and the Lothians have been affected, with some evacuated as a “precautionary measure”.

A number of schools across the UK have reportedly received such calls in the last few days, with a school in Northern Ireland also evacuated on Tuesday.

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Officers are said to be searching buildings as “significant inquiries” continue.

A police spokesman in Dumfries said checks were made at Dumfries High School after a phone call.

He added: “Police Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council’s education service have been aware of such threats as an emerging issue across the UK in recent weeks.

“There is nothing to indicate that this was a substantive threat and it was, therefore, important not to unnecessarily disrupt pupils’ learning and teaching. Obviously, this matter will involve a significant investigation by Police Scotland.”

Carluke primary and Canberra primary in East Kilbride were among the schools evacuated in South Lanarkshire.

Pupils and staff at Dunrobin Primary in Airdrie were also removed from classes but have now returned.

A North Lanarkshire Council spokesman said: “Staff received a telephone call claiming there was an explosive device within the building and pupils were taken to the nearby community centre.

“Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland were quickly on the scene and carried out a site safety inspection. They gave the all-clear for staff and pupils to return to the building just after 10.30am.”

Perth High School was also targeted by a call but was not evacuated on police advice, as were schools in East and West Lothian.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “A number of schools across the central belt have received a threat via the telephone.

“Police Scotland would like to reassure the public that at present these do not appear to be credible threats, however they are being taken seriously.

“Staff and police are working with local authorities and are currently searching school buildings.

“Some schools as a precautionary measure have been evacuated and significant inquiries are under way.”

“In common with a number of schools across the UK, a West Lothian school received a threatening phone call this morning.

“In consultation with Police Scotland, the school followed their emergency plan to calmly evacuate the school as a precaution.

“Pupils returned to the school a short time later after police had checked the school and declared it safe.”