Several Irish schools close after receiving ‘threatening email’

News just in from An Garda Síochána.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána revealed that 20 primary schools in the county received the email this morning (Wednesday, 27 May), just after 7am.

As a result, a Garda investigation team was established in Carlow Garda Station.

The details of the email have not been released by Gardaí, though several outlets have reported that it threatened a mass shooting.

"Members of An Garda Síochána have been in touch with all affected schools during the course of the day," a Garda spokesperson said in a statement just before 5.30pm.

"While some schools have made the decision to close, reopening is a matter for each [school's] board of management.

"An Garda Síochána will continue to support schools and provide guidance."

The threatening email is believed to have been routed through another country, and the credibility of the message is still being investigated.

Gardaí also note that "there was no advance warning".

"Lines of communication have been opened at a senior level with the Department of Education and Youth," the Garda spokesperson added.

"High visibility patrols have been in place throughout the day and indeed for coming days in the environs of all forty-two (42) primary schools in Co. Carlow. .... . . l"