North Essex schools faced restrictions post threatening emails. Parents criticize school’s response and communication, citing student distress. Police investigate thoroughly.
Police responded to the email threats, which targeted many schools and spanned north Essex and other regions. Police are investigating the situation now, reassuring people at the schools, where officers are staying visible.
Police think the threats are likely not real. The Metropolitan Police handle the main investigation. Sir Martin Frobisher Academy, a school in Jaywick, got a threatening email Tuesday morning.
Bradley Thompson, a local Jaywick councillor whose young son goes to that academy, criticized the school’s actions. Thompson said his son had to hide under his desk if the bell rang five times.
Thompson said his son came home upset and traumatized. Thompson thought they should remove kids and didn’t like the hiding strategy in place. He also wished the school informed parents.
Thompson expressed further unhappiness, feeling the school acted unprofessionally. The school gave the Gazette a statement, posted on social media Tuesday, addressing the earlier email.
The academy said many UK schools received the email and worked with the police that morning. Police found no real threat at that time. Around 9 AM, kids were told what to do and had a plan for a lockdown.
The academy praised the students’ behavior, noting they were ready to act if needed. The school was in “pre-lockdown.” Police told schools not to contact parents yet unless the threat seemed real, which could cause unnecessary panic.
The academy thanked people for their support and appreciated people not spreading rumors. Threats are a common concern for schools today.
