School in emergency closure after 'threats bomb has been planted at site'

A British school has been forced to close on Monday after receiving threats "an explosive device had been placed on site".

Mayfield School in Portsmouth, Hampshire, which caters for children as young as four says police need to complete their extensive investigation of the premises.

Staff allegedly received an email on Friday with the chilling warning the device had been left onsite.

It has notified the parents and guardians of the 1,280 children aged four to 16 of the closure by text on the Facebook page.

A preschool on the same site for babies and toddlers as young as one is also affected and will shut.

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A short statement on Facebook was later added to (Facebook)

The school's Facebook statement reads: "URGENT MESSAGE FOR ALL PARENTS AND PUPILS: We need to inform you that Mayfield School will be closed on Monday 16th March due to a threat against the school.

"On Friday 13th March, an email was received by the school explaining that an explosive device has been placed on the school site. Over the course of the weekend, the Police have been working with the school to respond to this threat and the decision has been taken to close the school on Monday 16th March to allow the Police to finalise their investigation of the school premises.

"We anticipate that the school will reopen on Tuesday 17th March at the normal times. This will be confirmed by the school once we have liaised with the Police.

"Headteacher David Jeapes said: 'The safety of our pupils and staff is our number one priority and therefore we will not open until such time that the Police have advised us that the threat against our school has been dealt with.'"

This statement though was later edited to emit the word "explosive".

Parents shared their shock online.

One father tweeted: "How mad is that news about Mayfield school.

"Text just gone out saying no school tomorrow due to bomb threat.

"Crazy. What kind of sicko sends that type of crap. As if there isn't enough worry going around."

Mirror Online has been unable to contact Hampshire Police for comment at this stage.

Mayfield School, which combines infant, junior and senior stages, was rated as Good by Ofsted in its last inspection.