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Wishaw school 'bomb threat' being treated as latest hoax
Police said the messages were a hoax as attendance fell to 76.4% in Glasgow schools and inquiries continued into the source.
- On Monday, October 19, 2026, threatening messages targeting hundreds of schools across Scotland and Northern Ireland prompted widespread evacuations. Police Scotland confirmed the messages were a non-viable hoax with no credible threat to the public.
- The emails referenced 'Sharia law' and were signed off 'Allahu Akbar,' suggesting an unnamed group involvement. Experts noted these threats aimed to disrupt school operations and cause confusion during the October break return.
- Attendance plummeted on Tuesday, October 20, with Glasgow City Council reporting some schools had 50 per cent fewer pupils. Midlothian Council recorded a 21.5% absence rate compared to 6.9% last year.
- Education convenor Councillor James Dalgleish urged parents to 'speak to their children and calm their fears.' Police Scotland's Cyber and Fraud Unit continues investigating the source of the threatening messages.
- Dr. Richard Jones of the University of Edinburgh noted such hoaxes often involve copycat behavior or individuals seeking disruption. The National Crime Agency warns online communities of young people increasingly collaborate in criminal activities.
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Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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