Police have launched an investigation after bomb threats were sent to a number of schools across Birmingham today – sparking widespread evacuations.
Arena Academy in Great Barr was one of several schools evacuated this morning, July 4, after bomb threats were sent via email.
Beeches Infants and Priestley Smith School, in the immediate area, were also evacuated along with schools further afield.
READ MORE: Birmingham school evacuated over ‘bomb threat’ as police issue statement
Holte Secondary School in Lozells, and Handsworth’s Mayfield School were also reportedly cleared following the scare.
Arena Academy in Perry Beeches was one of several schools evacuated today after bomb threats were sent via email -Credit:BirminghamLive
Children were sent home and barred from returning to their classrooms.
West Midlands Police told BirminghamLive this afternoon it was in contact with all the schools affected.
It said that, at this stage, officers did not believe there was “any credible threat” and suggested the emails were likely hoax threats.
A force spokesperson said: “We’re investigating after bomb threats were sent to a number of schools in Birmingham via email.
“We’re in contact with the schools and, at this stage, we don’t believe there is any credible threat.
“Hoax messages are a serious criminal offence and cause significant disruption to the community and public services.”
A push alert was sent to parents and carers at Arena Academy at around 9.30am.
The message, seen by BirminghamLive, read: “We have received a message from Priestley Smith School this morning informing us there has been a bomb threat.
“We are not sure if this is a credible threat but we’re following our protocols and currently evacuating to Turnbury Park.
“Police are also supporting us. We will keep you fully informed.”
Anyone with information about this incident should contact police by calling 101. A crime reference number was not provided by the force.