Nursery evacuated after ‘serious and credible threat of violence made to a number of schools’
A NURSERY has been locked down after a “credible threat” with children and staff evacuated.
St Mary’s School in Walthamstow, London, was sent disturbing emails at around 7.30am today.
The nursery was closed for the protection of everyone on site.
Police are still at the scene working with staff after the threat was deemed as “credible”.
A message sent to parents by the school told how it had been sent an alarming email about “committing acts of violence”.
The school is said to be among several to have been sent the threatening email.
“We are working closely with the police and following their advice and guidance to ensure the safety of our children and staff. At this stage, they have classed the threat as credible,” St Mary’s said in a statement.
“Therefore, we have currently closed the nursery this morning and we will provide further updates as we receive them.”
The school added the safety of children and staff was “top priority.”
Local MP Stella Creasy said on X: “Walthamstow, I know that parents are sharing the understandably concerning email about St Mary’s school they have received this morning.
“I am in touch with the police and want to give this update at present to help clarify what is happening and what is not. I can confirm that the school has received a threat that is being taken seriously.
“This threat has also been received by other schools outside London. This is the only school in Walthamstow to receive this and the police are on site to actively investigate. For those parents organising childcare it is reasonable to assume that the school nursery will be closed for at least this morning whilst investigations take place.
“I recognise this is shocking – for someone to threaten a school – and as soon as I have further information I will share. For now, the above is the only accurate summary of what is happening so please do not share anything else.”
In an update the MP added: “Walthamstow have now had further update on situation with St Mary’s School so can provide this new information.
“The threat received has been made primarily to schools in the South Yorkshire area – no other schools outside of this area except St Mary’s school affected.
“There is nothing to suggest in either the threat made or the schools involved any faith connection to this incident.
“The school have made arrangements to support the children attending the nursery offsite so if your child is one of those please do contact them for further details.
“The police are working with the school and their colleagues in South Yorkshire to apprehend the perpetrator.”
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