Bomb Threats Target Schools in Italy and Northern Ireland, More Than 300 Institutions Affected

More than 300 schools across Northern Ireland received threatening emails on Wednesday, November 11, prompting urgent police investigations and raising concerns among parents, students and education authorities. Similar reports of bomb threats have also emerged in Italy, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has convened a government meeting to assess the situation.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that schools began reporting the same threatening email during the morning. Authorities believe similar messages may also have been received by some schools in Scotland.

According to the PSNI, initial checks have found nothing suspicious. Police are treating the email, which originated outside the United Kingdom, as a hoax, although enquiries are continuing.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said police understood the concern caused by the messages among school communities, students and parents.

He added that the current risk to the public was considered low. Officers are continuing to liaise with affected schools, the Department of Education and the Education Authority.

Police have urged anyone who notices suspicious activity to report it immediately, using 101 for non-emergencies or 999 in an emergency.

Italy Also Reports School Bomb Threats

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that her government is closely monitoring numerous reports of bomb threats targeting schools.

In a statement published on her official social media account, Meloni said law enforcement agencies and institutions at every level were working to monitor the situation and reassure families, students and school staff.

According to the Italian prime minister, initial investigations have not identified evidence of a persistent concrete danger. She suggested that the reports could be part of a strategy intended to generate alarm and concern, adding that authorities were working to establish all the relevant details.

Meloni also announced that she had convened a meeting at Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government in Rome, to assess the situation and coordinate further action.

Investigations are continuing in both countries as authorities seek to determine the origin and motivation behind the threatening messages that come amid a wave of bomb threats against airlines, supermarkets and media companies across the continent.