A NUMBER of bomb threats have been made to schools in York and North Yorkshire - sparking an investigation by cybercrime detectives.

The threats are not believed to be credible and appear to be part of a national issue, according to police.

North Yorkshire Police said it has had a number of reports this morning about a "bomb hoax" at many schools across the county, including several in York.

A police spokesperson said: "This is believed to be a national issue. Our Cybercrime Unit Detectives, supported by local officers, have looked at these incidents and it is not believed there is any genuine threat.

"We are working with schools to offer reassurance and address any concerns."

Zoe Lightfoot, head teacher at Hempland Primary School, said in a letter to parents that it had received such an email and had telephoned police for advice, and had searched school bags, coats and lunch bags, and the school site.

"We will remain extra vigilant as always and please be reassured that this malicious threat is being dealt with both on a local and a national level," she said.

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RC Primary School in Hamilton Drive also contacted parents and carers to say it had received a bomb threat email, but said North Yorkshire Police believed that there wasn’t any genuine threat and it was a hoax email.

It added: "The safety of pupils and staff is of paramount importance and we are following the police’s advice which is to continue school as normal."