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Sandwell schools evacuated over 'bomb threats' Sandwell schools evacuated over 'bomb threats'
(about 1 hour later)
Hoax bomb threats have been made to six West Midlands schools.Hoax bomb threats have been made to six West Midlands schools.
West Midlands Police was investigating "bomb scare calls" to six schools on Tuesday "but intelligence experts insisted there was no credible threat".West Midlands Police was investigating "bomb scare calls" to six schools on Tuesday "but intelligence experts insisted there was no credible threat".
Oldbury Academy, George Salter in West Bromwich and Holly Lodge in Smethwick were all evacuated. Bristnall Hall Academy, in Oldbury, sent pupils away but later decided to reopen from 11:00.Oldbury Academy, George Salter in West Bromwich and Holly Lodge in Smethwick were all evacuated. Bristnall Hall Academy, in Oldbury, sent pupils away but later decided to reopen from 11:00.
Bristnall Hall and Oldbury Academy were involved in similar threats last week.Bristnall Hall and Oldbury Academy were involved in similar threats last week.
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Bristnall Hall principal Vince Green said: "Police have conducted a thorough search of the building and are satisfied it is safe, so the children are now coming back to school."Bristnall Hall principal Vince Green said: "Police have conducted a thorough search of the building and are satisfied it is safe, so the children are now coming back to school."
West Midlands Police confirmed the other schools affected on Tuesday were Earls High School, in Halesowen, and Four Dwellings Upper School, in Quinton.West Midlands Police confirmed the other schools affected on Tuesday were Earls High School, in Halesowen, and Four Dwellings Upper School, in Quinton.
Hurst Road Community Centre in Oldbury was opened by Sandwell Council to any students who were unable to return home.Hurst Road Community Centre in Oldbury was opened by Sandwell Council to any students who were unable to return home.
BBC WM reporter Daz Hale said there were three police cars and a van outside Four Dwellings at around 10:00 GMT.BBC WM reporter Daz Hale said there were three police cars and a van outside Four Dwellings at around 10:00 GMT.
He said: "A staff member is outside with a couple of children. I understand the vast majority of children are in a nearby school."He said: "A staff member is outside with a couple of children. I understand the vast majority of children are in a nearby school."
Parent Karen Whitehouse, whose children attend Oldbury Academy, said: "I am grateful to the staff there for responding so quickly.Parent Karen Whitehouse, whose children attend Oldbury Academy, said: "I am grateful to the staff there for responding so quickly.
"I would rather my children missed a day from school than actually get caught up in a threat that turns out to be genuine after all.""I would rather my children missed a day from school than actually get caught up in a threat that turns out to be genuine after all."
'Disrupting parents''Disrupting parents'
Thousands of children were affected as Bristnall Hall Academy, Holly Lodge Foundation High School College of Science, and Oldbury Academy sent pupils home last week.Thousands of children were affected as Bristnall Hall Academy, Holly Lodge Foundation High School College of Science, and Oldbury Academy sent pupils home last week.
Leasowes School in Halesowen also sent children outside the building but later resumed lessons.Leasowes School in Halesowen also sent children outside the building but later resumed lessons.
Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "If this turns out to be a ruse, then it is a disgrace. It is disrupting parents, schools and children's education.Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "If this turns out to be a ruse, then it is a disgrace. It is disrupting parents, schools and children's education.
"We've just got to hope police catch whoever is doing this as soon as possible.""We've just got to hope police catch whoever is doing this as soon as possible."
Police said calls "were made in quick succession" at 09:00 GMT on Tuesday.Police said calls "were made in quick succession" at 09:00 GMT on Tuesday.
West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: "The calls mirror the hoaxes several schools received just a few days ago.West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: "The calls mirror the hoaxes several schools received just a few days ago.
"Local police officers have been sent to the affected schools to carry our checks and to offer reassurance.""Local police officers have been sent to the affected schools to carry our checks and to offer reassurance."