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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Matt Payton

Third day of bomb threats force 27 British schools to be evacuated

Schools across the UK have been affected for the third day in a row by bomb and gun threats.

At least 27 schools have been evacuated due to phoned-in threats including Whitchurch High School in Cardiff, Armstrong Primary School in Armagh, Thornhill School in Sunderland and Towerbank Primary School in Edinburgh.

Counter-terror police are investigating the anonymous calls, which threaten to shoot and behead pupils, The Mirror reports.

More than 40 schools have been affected by bomb threats over the last few days with GCSE exams have been disrupted by the threats.

Whitchurch's Headmaster Huw-Jones-Williams told the BBC: "Everyone in the school's community is safe and well and all student behaviour on both sites has been exemplary.

"Normal operations at the school have now resumed... All scheduled exams will take place this afternoon and steps will be taken to ensure that none of the candidates are disadvantaged."

Despite being discovered as hoaxes, police forces across the country have taken the threats seriously due to the "disruption and alarm to the public".

Police Scotland said in a statement: "Police Scotland would like to reassure the public that at present these do not appear to be credible threats, however they are being taken seriously.

"Staff and police are working with local authorities and are currently searching school buildings.

"Some schools as a precautionary measure, have been evacuated. Significant enquiries are underway."

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