DONEGAL schools have received bomb threats again today.
Some schools in the county are reported to have evacuated as threatening emails were sent to schools across the country.
This follows a similar incident last month when many schools received threats while closed during the national public sector strike on October 14.
Today, gardaí say they are aware of a “generic communication” sent to a number of schools and educational establishments.
A Garda press spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána assess this threat as not credible and is not advising any educational establishment to evacuate.
“Gardaí are engaging with a number of educational establishments.”
Guidance
Speaking yesterday, the Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary said: “In response to recent increased activity in hoax and non-credible bomb threats, I would like to provide the following guidance about what you should do if you receive one, and how An Garda Síochána will respond.
“If you receive a bomb threat by email, letter or any other message, contact An Garda Síochána immediately by calling 999. Provide as much detail as possible about the threat and the communication you have received.
“Once notified, our Garda Regional Control Centre will assess the credibility of the threat.
“Following that assessment, the Control Centre andor the Gardaí responding will advise you on the most appropriate course of action. We will do this as quickly as possible.
“It is important to understand that a bomb threat does not automatically mean that a building needs to be evacuated, but attending gardaí will assist with this decision.”
He added: “In many cases, following an assessment, the appropriate response may be to provide advice or carry out a cursory search of the premises.”
“Of course, businesses and premises managers retain the ability to make their own decision to evacuate. However, An Garda Síochána will provide professional advice based on our assessment of the information available.
“Our priority is, and always will be, the safety of the public.
“You can be assured that every such report is taken seriously and that An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a professional, proportionate and timely response.”
Meanwhile, the PSNI say they have received reports today of a ‘concerning email’ being sent to a number of schools in the North.
“As a result of this email, police are conducting urgent enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question,” said a PSNI spokesperson.
“An update will be provided in due course.”
An email was sent to a large number of schools in the North recently, claiming that a bomb had been left on the premises.
Police said that email was a hoax.
