160 Northern Ireland Schools Receive 'Islamist' Bomb Threat as Paul Givan Condemns Disruption

Education Minister Paul Givan has confirmed that 160 schools across Northern Ireland received threatening emails on Monday morning, containing claims about Islamist extremism, Sharia law and explosive devices.

The communication caused widespread concern among parents, pupils and staff, with several schools closing or evacuating as a precaution.

However, the Minister confirmed that the threat was not being treated as viable.

• 160 schools received the threatening communication.
• The emails allegedly threatened to introduce Sharia law and claimed explosive devices were present in schools.
• Education Minister Paul Givan said the message was signed off “Allahu Akbar”.
• Some schools closed, while others evacuated pupils.
• The PSNI launched urgent enquiries.
• Authorities advised schools that the threat was not being treated as viable.

Paul Givan Reveals Contents of Threatening Email

Speaking to reporters at Stormont, Education Minister Paul Givan described the contents of the communication and said it appeared to invoke Islamist extremism.

According to the Minister, the email threatened the introduction of Sharia law and claimed that explosive devices had been placed in schools.

He also confirmed that the message ended with the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is greatest”.

The wording of the message does not establish who sent it, and police have not confirmed that any Islamist organisation was responsible.

Minister Condemns Disruption to Children’s Education

Mr Givan strongly condemned the impact of the threatening communication, describing the alarm and disruption caused to schools across Northern Ireland.

He said the situation had been escalated to the PSNI and that the Education Authority was holding emergency discussions with police.

The Minister expressed disappointment that some schools had closed, despite advice that the threat was not being regarded as viable.

Schools Advised Against Unnecessary Closures

According to the Minister, schools were advised to contact their local PSNI district command.

He indicated that, unless a school identified a specific suspicious object on its premises, the general advice did not warrant further closures.

A number of schools had already taken precautionary measures earlier in the morning, including contacting parents and arranging for pupils to leave.

Individual schools continued to communicate arrangements directly to families.

Education Authority Working With Police

The Education Authority confirmed that it was aware of the threatening communication received by schools across Northern Ireland.

It acknowledged the concern caused to staff, school leaders, pupils and families.

The authority said it was working closely with the PSNI, issuing communications to schools and continuing to provide support and guidance.

PSNI Conducting Urgent Enquiries

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that urgent enquiries were underway into the threatening emails.

Police were liaising with affected schools as the circumstances surrounding the communication were investigated.

Although the reported threat was not being treated as viable, the incident resulted in significant disruption to education across Northern Ireland.

Parents are encouraged to rely on official school communications, the Education Authority and the PSNI for further information.