Police investigating the circumstances of threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland this morning, October 19, are treating the matter as a hoax.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: Up to 300 schools to date have reported to police receiving the same emailed message which contained a generalised threat. It is believed similar emails have been received by some schools across the UK.

They added that checks have not, at this time, resulted in anything untoward. Based on enquiries and information to date, police are treating this email, which originated from outside the UK, as a hoax.

Police said that enquiries are ongoing.

Education Minister Paul Givan speaking to the media at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast, after over 150 schools in Northern Ireland received bomb threats which are not being treated as viable. Picture date: Monday October 19, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/the Press Association

placeholder image — Education Minister Paul Givan speaking to the media at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast, after over 150 schools in Northern Ireland received bomb threats which are not being treated as viable. Picture date: Monday October 19, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/the Press Association

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: "We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, not to mention the disruption it has caused in some school communities and for students and parents.

"Our enquiries are ongoing, however, at this stage we consider risk to the public as low. We will continue to liaise with schools impacted and have been working closely with the Department of Education and the Education Authority this morning to provide reassurance.

"We urge everyone, in the meantime, to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency."

The PSNI said that the majority of schools remained open and some did close as a result of these threatening emails.

Speaking earlier, Stormont’s education minister Paul Givan said the warning, which is not being treated as viable, was signed off “Allahu Akbar”.

Derry MLA Mark H Durkan said schools should be places of learning, not places of fear.

Mr Durkan said: “It's a disgrace that 100s of schools across NI have received a bomb threat email.

“I've received several calls from concerned parents this morning, however the EA & PSNI are currently investigating. Keep an eye on any communication from schools through their messaging apps. Schools will remain in close contact with the authorities , at present most schools continue to operate as normal. Any advice to the contrary will be communicated to parents/ guardians ASAP.

"Our schools should be places of learning, not fear. Those responsible need to wise up and understand the fear and disruption they're causing. We will not be dragged back to the dark days of our troubled past.