Man arrested after hoax emails sent to Southport school and two others
Suspect questioned following bogus threats
Police have arrested a 21-year-old man from Runcorn in connection with a series of hoax emails sent to schools, including one in Southport last week.
Greenbank High School in Southport was targeted on Friday 23rd January, alongside Holly Lodge Girls’ College in West Derby on Monday 19th January and The Belvidere Academy on Monday 26th January.
The suspect was detained yesterday (28th January) following an ongoing investigation. He has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Online Safety Act and is currently being questioned in custody.
Detective Inspector John Black from Merseyside Police said:
"Our investigations into the hoax incidents this month continue, and this arrest demonstrates good progress is being made.
"We would like to reassure parents and carers that schools across Merseyside have well established and practiced procedures to keep children and school staff safe when schools are made aware of potential incidents or threats.
"Officers and the local authorities are continuing to provide reassurance and advice to those schools affected, and we would like to thank students, parents and carers for their patience and understanding."
Investigations remain ongoing into these incidents.