Parents in Southport are being told not to panic over a hoax email threat sent to a number of schools in Merseyside.
OTS News understands a number of schools in Southport and Formby have had parents attend school to remove their children from the building.
It follows a reported threat made to a number of schools in the region in the early hours of this morning.
OTS further understands that no school in Southport was targeted.
A Council spokesperson said “ We are aware that a number of schools are seeing an increase in parents attending grounds to remove their children.
“This is in response to a malicious communication sent to a very small number of schools across the wider Merseyside region this morning.
“One school in Sefton received this communication and has since been informed there is no credible threat. They are no longer in lockdown and have resumed learning as normal.
“Schools in Sefton are currently operating as normal. Please do not attempt to attend school grounds in relation to this matter as to not disrupt the learning of pupils.
“Please only attend school if you have a pre-arranged or agreed reason to do so outside of normal collection time.”
A police spokesperson said “ We can confirm that enquiries are ongoing after reports of malicious communications at several Merseyside schools.
“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.”