BOMB THREATS SENT TO 160 SCHOOLS

BELFAST, OCTOBER 19 /SRNA/ – A total of 160 schools in Northern Ireland received an Islamist bomb threat, regional Education Minister Paul Givan said.

He said the warning was signed with "Allahu Akbar", an Arabic expression meaning "God is greatest".

The Northern Ireland Police Service said an urgent investigation was underway and that it was in contact with the affected schools. Several schools were closed this morning after receiving threatening emails.

"Some schools have been closed as a result of this threat, which was received through formal communication channels. I absolutely condemn this level of disruption to the education of young people," Givan told press.

The Education Authority said it was aware that several schools across Northern Ireland had received a threatening email this morning, the DPA news agency reported.

The statement added that the Authority was working closely with the police and providing support to school leaders.