Schools across England evacuated over 'bomb threats'
(about 7 hours later)
Hoax bomb threats have been made to six West Midlands schools.
Thousands of pupils were evacuated as hoax bomb threats were made to 14 schools across England.
West Midlands Police was investigating "bomb scare calls" to six schools on Tuesday "but intelligence experts insisted there was no credible threat".
Six schools in the West Midlands, four in London and four in Cornwall received calls on Tuesday morning.
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.
A group reportedly calling itself "Evacuators 2K16" appeared on Twitter to claim responsibility, but the BBC was unable to verify the claims.
Bristnall Hall and Oldbury Academy were involved in similar threats last week.
The National Police Chiefs' Council said forces were treating the threats "extremely seriously".
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"At this stage there is no information to suggest the incidents are terrorist-related, however inquiries continue to establish the facts," a spokesman said.
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."
"Forces are working together to investigate who is responsible and whether incidents are linked."
West Midlands Police confirmed the other schools affected on Tuesday were Earls High School, in Halesowen, and Four Dwellings Upper School, in Quinton.
'Incredibly frustrating'
Hurst Road Community Centre in Oldbury was opened by Sandwell Council to any students who were unable to return home.
West Midlands Police said the calls to six schools in its region posed "no credible threat".
BBC WM reporter Daz Hale said there were three police cars and a van outside Four Dwellings at around 10:00 GMT.
Bristnall Hall Academy in Oldbury was one of six West Midlands schools targeted, but reopened for pupils at 11:00 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."
Principal Vince Green said it was "incredibly frustrating" for the school, having had to close for one day last week after a similar threat.
Parent Karen Whitehouse, whose children attend Oldbury Academy, said: "I am grateful to the staff there for responding so quickly.
"Last week there was a lot of anxiety because people weren't clear and when we did it again today people were quick to work out that it was a similar incident," he said.
"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."
"We have to take the safety of our young people and our staff very very seriously."
'Disrupting parents'
In Cornwall, four schools in Penzance, St Ives and Truro received calls at about 08:00 GMT.
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.
Devon and Cornwall Police attended an hour later and said nothing suspicious was found.
Leasowes School in Halesowen also sent children outside the building but later resumed lessons.
Jan Woodhouse, head teacher at St Ives School, emailed parents to say pupils were returning to classes as normal.
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.
"The site has been thoroughly checked by the police and given the all clear," she said.
"We've just got to hope police catch whoever is doing this as soon as possible."
"Although we are a bit wet the rest of the day will run as usual."
Police said calls "were made in quick succession" at 09:00 GMT on Tuesday.
The four London schools were evacuated as a precaution.
West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: "The calls mirror the hoaxes several schools received just a few days ago.
The Met was treating the calls as "malicious communications".
"Local police officers have been sent to the affected schools to carry our checks and to offer reassurance."
