School evacuated but threat deemed 'not credible'

A secondary school has been evacuated and pupils sent home for the day because of a threatening message later deemed "not credible" by police.

Blaise High School in Bristol sent a text to parents on Friday morning saying it had received the threat and had evacuated pupils outside, and a second message saying the threat was "credible" and children were being sent home.

Henbury Leisure Centre, which is next to the school, was also evacuated.

While some pupils were on site, most were yet to arrive and were told not to come in by the school, which has now told parents the threat was a hoax.

One parent sent the BBC two text messages she received from the school on Friday morning.

The first read: "Dear parents, we have received a threat to the school. Students and staff are safe and out of the building, on the astro.

"We are communicating with the police and will keep you updated. Please DO NOT attend the site. We will keep you updated."

The second, sent shortly afterwards, said: "Dear parents, given the credible threat made to the school we have made the decision to send all children on site home. They will be leaving via the leisure centre gate.

"We will update all parents in due course when we have more information from the police. All children are safe."

After officers went to the school, Avon and Somerset Police declared the threat to not be credible.

One parent told the BBC they had become impatient after failing to receive any further updates from the school for several hours.

"We've been ringing around, trying to get more information from anyone we can, but we're just not getting any," she said.

"My son was nearby, so I got him to go and pick my daughter up from school straight away."

Blaise High School has since informed parents the incident was a hoax.

A statement said it "immediately enacted [the school's] emergency procedures to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

"Parents and carers will continue to receive updates as further information becomes available."

Avon & Somerset Police told the BBC: "While the threat was assessed as not credible, officers helped school staff to check the building and grounds to reassure the school community.

"Nothing of concern was found. Enquiries continue regarding the hoax and anyone with any information which could help is asked to call 101."

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