Cambridgeshire Police reassure public after hoax email threat to schools
The force say that no specific threat has been identified to local schools, following an investigation into hoax emails circulating nationwide.
Last updated 5th Feb 2025
Cambridgeshire Police have reassured the public that there is no identified threat to schools in the county after reports of a hoax email warning of a potential attack.
The investigation into the emails follows similar incidents reported across the country. A police spokesperson confirmed, “We have been notified of an email which is being circulated to several schools, some of which are in Cambridgeshire.” The message, believed to be a hoax, has been circulated nationally over the past week, with no credible threat identified.
Late yesterday, Peterborough City Council shared a message with local headteachers about a potential threat elsewhere in the country.
The council stressed that there was “no evidence to suggest that our schools might be at risk,” and the message was issued as a reminder for schools to maintain good safeguarding procedures.
The council also reassured the public, stating, “At this time, there is no specific identified threat to schools within our city.” They apologised for any concern caused but emphasised the importance of safeguarding protocols.
Essex Police also confirmed that schools in their county had received the same threatening email earlier this week, which claimed a planned attack on schools. The email has been widely regarded as a hoax, and the Met Police are now leading the investigation into its source.
An Essex Police spokesperson stated, “Schools weren’t told to ‘lockdown’ by us – we’d always advised business as usual as this email was fairly quickly determined to not be a credible threat.”
The contents of the threatening email, which warned of a “heinous attack on schools,” were shared by concerned parents on social media, who claimed it had been sent by local authorities.
Despite the widespread concern, both Cambridgeshire and Essex authorities have reassured the public that there is no credible threat to schools at this time.
A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We have contacted all schools in Cambridgeshire regarding a message circulating on social media. We do not have any evidence to suggest there is a genuine threat but we are in contact with the police as a precaution.
“All schools have processes in place to keep children and young people safe. We have advised schools to continue as normal and be vigilant.”
Police investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as necessary.