Merseyside Police are investigating hoax emails sent to a number of schools on Monday, warning that false information circulating on social media is creating fear. ' The misinformation includes a voice note from someone posing as a parent and fake arrest claims. Police do not believe there is a credible threat and have urged people not to share unverified information.
No schools have been asked to close, and there is no wider risk to school staff, children, or the public. Enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved, with no arrests made yet. Detective Inspector John Black said police are linked with affected schools, providing reassurance, and based on assessed information, no school closures are required.
Chief Inspector Phil Thompson echoed this, stating liaising with schools and no closure requirement. Some schools took precautionary measures. ' Chesterfield High School in Crosby implemented a temporary lockdown, liaising with police who deemed it a hoax, and locked external doors, asking parents not to attend unless prearranged.
A number of parents picked children up early from Chesterfield High School after the lockdown. Sefton Council said all schools in the area are open normally, with threats not believed credible, and advised against removing pupils to avoid disruption. Knowsley Council declined to comment, St Helens Council said no schools were in lockdown or closed, and Liverpool and Wirral Councils were approached for comment.
It is unclear how many schools received the emails, but they affected schools in Liverpool, Sefton, and Knowsley, without naming specific targets. The identity and motive of those responsible remain unknown.