Five arrested in Sunderland in connection with bomb threats

Police have been made aware of videos being circulated on social media that show schoolboys in Sunderland threatening male pupils from another school. Threats have also been made around placing a bomb at the school.

The pupils involved in these incidents have been spoken to by police and officers do not believe any students are at risk.

Police are working closely with the schools and partner agencies to establish if any criminal offences have been committed and decide on an appropriate course of action.

There have also been suggestions that the comments were racially motivated but police have carried out a number of enquiries and do not believe that to be the case.

This evening, five youths have been arrested in connection with the incidents.

Extra officers will be on patrol in the areas of the schools in question tomorrow morning for reassurance and any students or parents who have any concerns are encouraged to speak to them.

If anyone has any concerns and want to report it to police they can call 101 quoting log 190 01/02/18 or online at www.northumbria.police.uk/contac