Threatening Emails Sent to Over 300 NI Schools Declared a Hoax by PSNI

Police have confirmed that threatening emails sent to more than 300 schools across Northern Ireland are being treated as a hoax. The messages originated outside the UK. Officers say the risk to the public is low, although investigations remain ongoing.

Police Confirm School Email Threats Are a Hoax

Threatening emails sent to schools across Northern Ireland on Wednesday morning, 11 November 2026, are being treated as a hoax by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

More than 300 schools have reported receiving the same threatening message, prompting urgent police enquiries and concerns among parents, pupils and school staff.

However, police have confirmed that initial checks uncovered nothing suspicious. Investigators believe the email originated from outside the United Kingdom.

The PSNI has assessed the current risk to the public as low.

Similar threatening emails have also been reported at schools in Scotland.

PSNI Reassures Parents and School Communities

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally acknowledged the concern caused by the threatening messages.

He confirmed that police are taking the incident seriously and continuing their investigation.

Officers have been working closely with the Department of Education and the Education Authority to provide reassurance to affected schools.

Although the emails are being treated as a hoax, police enquiries remain ongoing.

Education Authority Responds to Latest School Threats

The Education Authority confirmed earlier on Wednesday that a large number of schools had received another threatening email.

It said the message had similarities to a bogus threat circulated in October 2026.

In its initial statement, the Education Authority confirmed that it had not been made aware of evidence suggesting a credible threat to schools.

The organisation also recognised the distress such incidents can cause to pupils, parents, carers and school staff.

Schools have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.

Similar Hoax Emails Sent to Schools in October

The latest incident follows a similar series of threatening emails sent to Northern Ireland schools on 19 October 2026.

During that incident, up to 300 schools reported receiving threatening messages.

Following police investigations, the earlier emails were also classified as a hoax.

The Education Authority subsequently condemned the disruption caused, confirming that most schools remained open despite concerns within some school communities.

What Should Parents and Schools Do?

Police have advised members of the public to remain vigilant despite the low-risk assessment.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity should contact police.

• 101: Report suspicious activity or concerns that are not emergencies.
• 999: Call immediately if there is an emergency or an immediate threat to safety.

Parents and carers should also follow official communications from their children’s schools and the Education Authority.

The Department of Education has advised schools to remain open unless the PSNI recommends otherwise.

Police Investigation Continues

The PSNI has confirmed that investigations into the threatening emails are continuing.

Officers remain in contact with affected schools and education authorities.

While the current assessment is that the messages are a hoax, police are continuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding their distribution.

Northern Ireland Online will continue to follow developments. Visit our website for the latest verified news and updates affecting schools and communities across Northern Ireland.