Investigation after threats sent to schools in Chester and Ellesmere Port
Malicious emails were sent at around 10 o'clock this morning
An investigation has been launched after malicious emails were sent to a number of schools in the North West, police have said.
One school in Chester, initially notified parents on its Facebook page that they would be unable to pick up their children after the message was received.
In a statement, Lache Primary School said:
"We are aware that parents have arrived outside school.
"To repeat, we cannot let any children out or any parents in. As we have stated this is a precautionary measure following an unpleasant email that has been sent to a number of schools in Cheshire, Liverpool and Manchester.
"There is not a threat on site. We have locked down the school to ensure that everyone is safe. Which they are.
"The police are dealing with the situation and are very happy with the measures that we have in place."
It later changed that advice, posting that the email was "believed to be a malicious hoax" and children would be allowed to leave by year group.
Blacon High School, also in Chester, added that it had put in place additional measures after receiving the email, but added "for reassurance, Blacon High School is not currently in lockdown".
In a statement, Chester Constabulary said:
"At around 10.05am on Tuesday 12 September, police were made aware of an email which had been sent to a number of schools in Chester and Ellesmere Port which made threats to pupils and staff.
"An investigation has been launched and officers have been attending schools to provide reassurance."
Detective Chief Inspector Justin Hancock said:
“We would like to reassure parents that this is believed to be malicious and we are doing everything we can to locate the person responsible for these emails."