Man arrested after hoax messages sent to schools in Merseyside

We have arrested a man after reports hoax emails were sent to three schools in Merseyside earlier this month.

On Monday 19 January Holly Lodge Girls’ College in West Derby received a hoax email. On Friday 23 January, Greenbank High School in Southport received a similar message, followed on Monday 26 January by The Belvidere Academy.

After extensive enquiries, a 21-year-old man from Runcorn was detained today (Wednesday 28 January) in connection with all three messages. He has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Online Safety Act and taken into custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector John Black said: “Our investigations into the hoax incidents this month continue, and this arrest demonstrates good progress is being made.

“We would like to reassure parents and carers that schools across Merseyside have well established and practiced procedures to keep children and school staff safe when schools are made aware of potential incidents or threats. 

“Officers and the local authorities are continuing to provide reassurance and advice to those schools affected, and we would like to thank students, parents and carers for their patience and understanding.”