'No continuing threat' to Inverness school following malicious hoax and police response
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
There is "no continuing threat" to Inverness Royal Academy (IRA) or its pupils and staff following a police response to a malicious hoax at the school, it has been confirmed.
Police were called to the school on Monday morning in response to a malicious email, sparking concern among parents.
Police vehicles could also be seen patrolling the area around the IRA in the wake of the incident.
But in an update to parents later on Monday, Highland Council and teaching staff have attempted to assure the public that there was "no credible or immediate threat".
Police Scotland enquiries are also still active.
In a letter to all parents and carers updating them on today's incident, academy rector Nigel Engstrand said: "As you may be aware, officers from Police Scotland were called to the school this morning, following on from a malicious email which was sent to us early this morning.
"Police enquiries were carried out in conjunction with myself and senior officers from the local authority.
"Police enquiries are continuing to trace those responsible. Police advice this morning was that there was no credible or immediate threat to the school and our protocols were followed accordingly.
"I am very aware of how alarming news like this can be as a parent or carer. I can reassure you that every decision taken in circumstance like this has your child's safety as its primary focus.
"There is no continuing threat to our school and Police Scotland will be continuing their investigation into the original communication we received this morning."
Earlier today, Police Scotland issued a statement in which it slammed those behind the hoax, adding that the force takes such incidents "extremely seriously" and that it is "continuing to trace those responsible".
Speaking at the time, a spokesperson said: "Officers from Police Scotland were called to an incident, believed to be a malicious email, made to a school in Inverness around 9.10am on Monday, February 26.
"Inquiries were carried out in conjunction with the local authority and are continuing to trace those responsible.
"Police Scotland takes hoax calls extremely seriously.
"They divert police resources and cause disruption and alarm to the public.
"Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
