Around 160 UK schools evacuated over 'threat' as parents told 'collect child immediately'

A number of UK schools have been evacuated after receiving a bomb threat this morning that ended with the words Allahu Akbar'. It is understood that around 160 schools across Northern Ireland have been impacted this morning (October 19). In a message sent to parents of children at a Co Antrim primary school, seen by Belfast Live , it explained that "many schools received a threat this morning" and asked parents to "come immediately and collect the children." Parents of children at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution were also told that a "very large number of schools" had received an "anonymous threat" claiming an "explosive device" had been planted on their premises. The school said it had evacuated pupils in a fire-drill manner but police later advised that it was safe for them to return to lesson as normal. Victoria College in Belfast said C2k, the system providing core internet systems for schools, advised that "the email is spam." In a message to parents, the school added: "The College is operating as normal and there is no action required from parents or carers at this time." Rosetta Primary School in Belfast was evacuated "as a precaution" after receiving the threatening email A representative from the school told parents the children are safe and at a local church hall with school staff. They added: "Please remain clam and avoid speculation while the matter is being dealt with." Stormont Education minister Paul Givan has said some 160 schools in Northern Ireland had received “Islamist” bomb threats which are not being treated as viable. The email sent to schools across Northern Ireland said the threat was part of wider action. The message stated: "This is an urgent notification that an explosive device containing ammonium nitrate (ANFO) is currently located inside the building. Today, with Allah’s permission, we will carry out a series of planned terrorist attacks across this country. "What you experience today is only the beginning. One day, your government will surrender its authority and Sharia Law will be established. Allahu Akbar." A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police received reports today, Monday 19th October, of an email sent to a number of schools across Northern Ireland. "As a result of this email, police are conducting urgent enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question. An update will be provided in due course." A spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “The Education Authority is aware that a number of schools across Northern Ireland have received a threatening email this morning. We recognise the concern this may cause for school leaders, staff, pupils and families. “We are engaging closely with the PSNI and will act on their advice. Communications have been issued to schools, and we continue to support school leaders and keep them informed.” Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig said: "There was a threat sent in about a bomb at the school early this morning while kids were arriving. The principal had no option but to evacuate immediately as there was a potential danger to children. "Subsequently, when I contacted the Education Authority regarding this issue, I was informed that 160 schools across the province had received the same threat. "They'd been in touch with the PSNI and they were working closely with them, but the belief was that these are all hoax bomb scares. "You know, we all hoped and prayed that these days were long past us since this was a regular occurrence for all of us in our daily experience. And it's terrible that someone would do something like this and target children and put fear into children. "I just hope and pray that the PSNI investigate this properly, find the individual and prosecute, because he deserves anything that's coming from the justice system regarding this."