Teenager arrested over messages to schools

POLICE probing threats made to Northumberland schoolchildren have arrested a teenager.

Officers were called to Stobhill Gate First School and Collingwood School, both in Morpeth, after “malicious” social media posts.

It is believed the incidents are linked and an 18-year-old man has now been arrested. He has been released on bail for further inquiries and officers are continuing to liaise with both schools. Neighbourhood inspector Mick Aspey said: “We want to reassure parents that there is no safety issue at either school and they should continue to bring their children to school as usual.

“While we do not believe there is any credible threat to pupils at either school and treating this as a malicious act, we will have a police presence at the schools throughout this week, both in the mornings and afternoons, to speak to any parents who have concerns or any information about the sender of the message.”

The message to Stobhill Gate First School was sent last Friday, and another was sent to Collingwood School on Tuesday.