Bomb threats trigger evacuations at 300 schools across Italy
Around 300 schools across Italy received bomb threats on Wednesday, prompting evacuations and security checks, as authorities investigated a series of anonymous emails that also targeted educational institutions in the United Kingdom.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said preliminary investigations had found no evidence of a concrete danger, describing the incidents as an apparent attempt to spread fear and alarm.
According to the ANSA news agency, the emails were sent to schools in several Italian cities and claimed that powerful explosive devices had been placed on school premises.
The message described an explosive device concealed inside a plastic bag and allegedly equipped with a remote trigger. It also contained threats of violence against Italians and was signed by an individual claiming to lead a group called the Vilayat of Misoginistan.
Italian authorities investigate suspected cyberattack
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara confirmed that approximately 300 schools had reported receiving the threatening messages, warning that the number could increase.
He described the incident as a suspected cyberattack, adding that the actual security risk appeared to be virtually nonexistent.
Security services are working to identify those responsible, while the government is coordinating its response with law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions.
Government sources also confirmed that checks conducted so far had uncovered no evidence of a concrete threat.
The latest incident follows a similar scare in recent days, when threatening emails were sent to 280 school principals.
More than 300 schools targeted in Northern Ireland
Meanwhile, hundreds of schools in Northern Ireland and Scotland also received threatening emails on Wednesday, prompting police investigations.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said more than 300 schools had reported receiving the same threatening message.
Authorities described the incident as a hoax and assessed the risk to the public as low.
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally confirmed that investigations were ongoing to establish the origin of the emails.
Similar messages were also reported by several schools across Scotland.
The incidents have prompted heightened security attention across the affected regions, although authorities in Italy and Northern Ireland have so far found no evidence of an immediate danger.
Source:AA
