Bomb threat forces schools to close after parents told it’s a ‘credible risk’
Pupils have been told to stay away from several schools across Liverpool this morning after a ‘threat’ was made.
Concerned parents from as many as ten schools were contacted but police insist, based on their assessment of the threat, ‘there has been no requirement for those schools to close’.
In a letter to parents at LIPA School, families were informed that the school had been forced to close for the day due to a threat to cause harm.
The letter explains how the threats are often hoaxes, but claims that due to heightened media attention, it is now a ‘credible risk’.
The school is working with Merseyside Police, with officers seen inside the building this morning.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
A force spokesman said: ‘A number of schools have received similar email communications and enquiries are ongoing.
‘At this stage, these are all believed to be hoaxes, and we will be looking to identify those involved and take appropriate action.’
Chief Inspector Phil Thompson said: ‘We understand that parents and carers will be concerned and as a result we are liaising with all schools and providing advice and reassurance as enquiries continue.
‘Based on the information we have received and assessed, there has been no requirement for those schools to close.’
LIPA School headteacher Claire McKendrick said in her letter to parents: ‘I am writing to inform you that we have made the unfortunate decision to close the school today.
‘This morning, the school received a bomb threat and a threat to cause harm. Whilst these types of messages are, in most cases, hoaxes, the heightened media attention surrounding the school in recent days means we must treat this as a serious and credible risk.
‘We are currently working closely with Merseyside Police, who are supporting us in ensuring the safety of our pupils, staff, and wider community.’
Parents will be contacted in regard to the reopening of the school as long as it is ‘safe to do so’, the letter added.
This morning’s threat comes after the news that the school would be closing permanently this year.
LIPA School shares a name with Paul McCartney’s arts institute, but is run by a separate trust.
Last year, the school received a damning Ofsted report, which plunged it into special measures, before safety concerns saw the school close days before the end of the summer term.
It was later confirmed that the school will close down this summer, with a letter to parents detailing a host of major issues leading to the decision.
The factors detailed include a ‘significant overspend over a number of years, which has led to a substantial historical financial deficit.’
Last year’s inadequate Ofsted rating is also mentioned, as is a ‘significant’ fall in pupil numbers, as well as ‘inappropriate’ educational facilities and the lack of any viable alternatives.
In January, another Liverpool school shut down for the day after reports of a ‘malicious communication’, which police later said was likely a hoax.
On January 21, West Derby School closed down as Merseyside Police investigated the alleged threat.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.