West Midlands: Police condemn 'false and malicious' bomb threats at four schools

Police have launched an investigation into who made four hoax bomb threat at schools across the West Midlands. Oldbury Academy, Holly Lodge High School and Bristnall Hall Academy, all in Oldbury, and Leasowes High School in Halesowen received the calls between 9am and 9.30am on 19 January.

Thousands of pupils and staff members were evacuated from the buildings as a precaution. Similar threats were also made to schools outside of the West Midlands area and police are investigating if there is a link between the hoaxes.

West Midlands Police gave the all clear to the schools around lunchtime and all pupils were declared safe. Superintendent Richard Youds, from West Midlands Police, said: "Schools across the region are some of the safest and most secure public places. Their staff are highly trained and the well-being of pupils is their top priority. They have well-rehearsed plans to deal with a range of emergency situations, as do West Midlands Police.

"These false and malicious calls resulted in lost opportunities for local young people, many of whom are preparing for exams. They also wasted valuable police time, which would have been better spent targeting criminals, supporting victims and preventing crimes."

Anyone with information which may help bring the person responsible before the courts should call police on 101.