Emails sent to schools a ‘deliberate attempt to cause significant disruption’

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Emails sent to a number of schools and businesses in Co Antrim were a  “deliberate attempt to cause significant disruption to daily life”, police have said.

A senior officer said following inquiries into the content of the emails, they are not believed to be a “credible threat”.

Police said they were stepping up patrols after the emails were sent on Tuesday.

One school posted on social media that pupils were being kept indoors with the doors locked.

We continue to examine the nature of contents included within the email – which we believe was circulated in a deliberate attempt to cause significant disruption to daily life

North Area commander Chief Superintendent Kelly Moore said: “Reassurance patrols have been conducted today across the areas affected, and we will continue with these as our inquiries progress.

“We continue to examine the nature of contents included within the email – which we believe was circulated in a deliberate attempt to cause significant disruption to daily life.

“However, we would like to reassure communities that nothing untoward has been located following our inquiries, and this is not believed to be a credible threat at this time.

“We would reiterate our earlier appeal, urging anyone to report anything suspicious to police on our 101 number, always 999 in an emergency.

We are continuing to investigate the contents of an email sent to multiple schools and businesses in the Country Antrim area today.

Nothing untoward has been located - and this is not believed to be a credible threat at this time. Full details: https://t.co/5GfpfB15MZ pic.twitter.com/EYy5ESfcBR

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 19, 2026

“Police take incidents of this nature very seriously and we understand the concern in the community, not to mention the disruption it has caused.

“We would like to thank each of the schools and businesses affected for their assistance with our inquiries to date.”

The officer added: “We are also aware of social media posts in relation to this matter, and we would appeal to the public not to share posts or speculate online.

“Our inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information that could help is asked to contact 101, quoting reference number 162 19/05/26.”

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said: “Any threat directed at children, parents, teachers or school staff is utterly reprehensible.

“I welcome the swift response from the PSNI in investigating these threats and carrying out reassurance patrols.

“Those responsible for this malicious hoax, if that is indeed what it proves to be, must be identified and dealt with robustly.”

SDLP councillor Roisin Lynch said the email contained a “threatening message”.

She said it had caused “understandable fear and anxiety among school communities and families”.

Lynch said: “It was a deeply sinister act clearly designed to cause disruption and distress and it is difficult to understand what could motivate someone to target children, parents and school staff in this way.

“I welcome the swift response from police, emergency services and schools to reassure pupils and parents and ensure people’s safety.

“No parent should have to fear for their child’s safety when sending them to school and no young person should have their education disrupted by threats of this nature.

“I would encourage anyone with information to co-operate fully with the police investigation.

“I hope this incident is confirmed to be a hoax as soon as possible, the person behind this is apprehended and that school communities can return to normal without any further disruption or concern.”

In a statement for parents on social media, St Benedict’s College in Randalstown said the matter was “not being treated as a serious threat”.

The statement added: “However, it is being addressed at a senior level, and we will continue to follow all guidance provided.

“As a precaution, school doors will remain locked throughout the day as normal.

“Pupils will remain indoors until we receive further guidance from the PSNI.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our highest priority.

“We will keep parents informed and will notify you immediately should the situation change.”