Italy evacuates at least 300 schools following email bomb alert

Hundreds of schools in UK and across Europe evacuated following email bomb alert Italian Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara told local news that the number of schools impacted could rise - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Around 300 schools have been evacuated in Italy on Wednesday, after they all received the same bomb alert message. Italian Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara told local news that the number of schools impacted could rise. “Following a nationwide bomb alert, we wish to inform you that all students have been taken to a safe area and remain under the supervision of teaching staff," one school in Rome informed parents. The email was signed "Mikhail Andropov, leader of the Vilayat of Misoginistan," according to a government source with knowledge of the matter. Italian police forces are investigating the matter, a spokesperson for Rome police said. The security alert came amid rising concerns in Europe about so-called hybrid warfare threats which have targeted supermarkets, blood banks, air traffic and TV broadcasters. In Northern Ireland, police are conducting inquires after threatening emails were also sent to hundreds of schools on Wednesday. The Education Authority (EA) said the email has similarities to hoax threats sent to up to 300 schools across the region last month. “At this stage, we have not been made aware of any evidence of any credible threat to schools,” the EA said. “Investigations are continuing. It is for PSNI to determine the credibility or otherwise of any such message. On Wednesday, Police Scotland said "threatening messages were sent to a number of schools in Scotland and across and the UK". It added that the messages were “immediately assessed” and are being treated as hoaxes. "We fully appreciate that any message of this nature is distressing and can assure schools, parents/carers and children and young people that we will provide a further update following engagement with police,” the EA added. This is a breaking news story. More follows. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments