Police are investigating after approximately 160 schools in Northern Ireland received a bomb threat via email on Monday, October 19, 2026. The threats, which claimed an explosive device had been planted, are not being treated as viable, but caused significant disruption and alarm.
The bomb threats caused widespread disruption to education in Northern Ireland, impacting students, staff, and families. Authorities are investigating the source of the non-viable threats, which have been linked to Islamist extremism.
Police are investigating a series of bomb threats sent via email to approximately 160 schools across Northern Ireland on Monday, October 19, 2026. The anonymous threats claimed an explosive device had been planted on school premises. While authorities are not treating the threats as viable, they caused significant alarm and disruption, with some schools opting to evacuate pupils. The Education Authority is working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and has advised schools to remain vigilant. Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan condemned the disruption to young people's education.
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