Edinburgh school attendance falls after hoax bomb threat emails raise alarms
Attendance rates were lower than average as parents and carers were left concerned for their children's safety following the hoax emails.
Attendance at Edinburgh schools was lower than average on Tuesday, October 20, after hoax bomb threats sent to schools across Scotland caused alarm among families.
The City of Edinburgh Council confirmed all council nurseries, primary schools and high schools reopened on Tuesday, October 20, after Police Scotland determined the threats were a hoax.
Threatening emails were sent to schools across the country on Monday, with some Edinburgh schools having been evacuated as a precaution while staff were attending in-service days.
No pupils were in school at the time of the incident due to it being the October holiday.
Police Scotland launched an investigation into the messages, which were also reported in other parts of the UK.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council said “immediate action” had been taken to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers and staff, following police advice and established safety procedures.
The council statement said: “The police conducted a thorough investigation into the claims and determined it was a hoax and there was no risk identified.
“This situation has caused alarm and misinformation to be spread amongst the school community.
“Understandably as a result attendance rates have been lower than average today.”
It sought to reassure parents, carers, pupils and staff that there was no safety risk to pupils and said the safety of school communities remained its top priority.
Parents and carers with concerns have been encouraged to contact their child’s school, with staff available to support pupils as they return to learning.