Police investigate threatening call to school

A Merseyside school went into lockdown after receiving a threatening phone call, police have said.

Police said they were investigating an incident of malicious communications following a report that someone had called the Co-op Academy in Bebington, Wirral, and made threats earlier.

Officers attended the school after being alerted to the incident at about 11:10 BST, with all staff and children said to be safe and well.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said they would remain on site this afternoon "to provide reassurance and inquiries are ongoing into the incident".

A message seen by the BBC which was sent by the school's headteacher Catherine Kelly to parents and carers at about 11:15 BST said the academy had gone into lockdown.

It urged people not to come to the school, adding that everyone was safe and police were on their way.

An updated message sent at about 11:42 BST said the lockdown had been lifted on police advice and reiterated that staff and students were safe.

It added that police remained on site and the school would not be admitting visitors.

The BBC has approached Co-op Academy Bebington for comment.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected]