A number of schools in Bury were subject to what was initially feared to be a terrorist threat.

The threat itself is thought to be a hoax, but town hall chiefs are working with the police.

The 'malicious communication' was sent to a number of schools including it is believed Ribble Drive Community Primary School and Unsworth Primary School.

The schools issued an alert to parents yesterday evening, informing them that a ‘threat’ was  made  to them by email.

The exact nature of the threat and the number of schools affected has not been confirmed but a representative from the council has confirmed that the threat is being treated as a hoax.

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One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said children at Ribble Drive Primary School were sent home from an after-school club at around 4.10pm yesterday following reports of a threat.

Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Sean Thorpe, said children’s services are working closely with the police and the schools involved.

He said: “A serious threat was made to schools and police believe these calls, although serious, are hoax calls.

"The likelyhood is that these are are copycats rather than genuine terrorist threats.

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“Both Children’s Services and the Police are working with the schools involved.”

A GMP spokesperson said: “Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is aware of a report of a malicious communication relating to several schools and hospitals in Bury yesterday (14 September 2023).

“As soon as the report was received, an investigation was commenced by GMP and extensive enquiries were carried out.

"GMP understands that reports of this nature are concerning however it would like to reassure the community that no credible evidence of a threat was found, and the report is being treated as a hoax with no risk to the public."

Ribble Drive Community Primary School declined to comment.

Oak Learning Partnership academy trust which runs Unsworth Primary School has been contacted for comment.

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Fairfield General Hospital, declined to comment.