Children 'told to hide' after email threat

SCHOOL WENT INTO IMMEDIATE LOCKDOWN OVER 'HOAX' MESSAGE

- By JONATHAN BLACKBURN

PUPILS were left "severely distressed" after a malicious hoax email was set to their school.

The message was sent to staff at Holly Lodge Girls’ College, West Derby on Monday, prompting the school to take emergency measures.

The email, described as a hoax by Merseyside Police, was received by staff at the school at 1.39pm. The school, which has capacity for more than 1,500 pupils, was immediately put into lockdown.

Nearby West Derby School also announced on Tuesday that the school had taken the decision to remain closed on Wednesday due to a “serious emergency”, which Merseyside Police later confirmed also related to a malicious communication received by staff.

Police believe it is a hoax and that a number of schools in the area have received similar malicious emails.

A source told the ECHO that Holly Lodge school was locked down “immediately”. They said: “Numerous pupils were severely distressed by the incident, including some who were crying and shaking.

“Some pupils were advised to hide under their desks, and in one classroom, I believe they were asked to put chairs against the door to prevent anyone from being able to enter the classroom.