Bomb threats force evacuations at hundreds of European schools

Schools across Italy, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland were evacuated on Wednesday after receiving threatening emails. Police in several countries launched investigations into the messages, which arrived during the morning hours.

In Italy, at least 300 schools were affected by bomb alerts, according to Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara. Students at Rome's Mamiani High School poured into the streets after an alarm sounded, initially believing it was the break bell before learning of the threat.

“We came to annihilate you. We came to commit genocide against the Italians. I have just placed a powerful explosive device in your building.”

Northern Ireland police said they were investigating threatening emails sent to more than 300 schools and declared a major incident. The PSNI stated the emails originated from outside the UK, while Northern Ireland's Education Authority said there was no evidence of a credible threat.

Scottish schools in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife and the Highlands also closed, with pupils sent home. Police Scotland treated the emails there as a hoax.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on Facebook that the reports appeared to be part of a strategy to spread alarm and worry. Authorities said no bombs were found in any of the buildings.

It remains unclear whether the emails sent to schools in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Italy are linked or came from the same source.