Man arrested in connection with hoax threat emails

Some schools were closed on Monday after receiving email threats

A 19-year old man has been arrested on suspicion of blackmail and making malicious communications by email after hundreds of schools across the country, including in Oldham, were hit by hoax bomb threats.

The teenager was arrested in Watford, Hertfordshire, last night (Wednesday).

Around 400 schools were closed on Monday after receiving the threats which did hit three schools in Oldham, including Mills Hill Primary in Chadderton, Blackshaw Lane Primary and Nursery School in Royton and Delph Primary School.

Rushcroft Primary School in Shaw is also understood to have received the email.

The National Crime Agency, which is heading up the investigation, said there was ‘no credible threat’ from the emails.

However, it did add it was “taking the communications extremely seriously.”

Other schools in London, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire were also targeted.