Livingston's Bankton Primary evacuated after telephone threat

A number of schools in the central belt - including Bankton Primary in Livingston - have been evacuated following a telephone threat.
Bankton Primary, in Livingston. Picture: ContributedBankton Primary, in Livingston. Picture: Contributed
Bankton Primary, in Livingston. Picture: Contributed

Police Scotland have said the threat is not thought to be credible but some schools had been cleared of pupils as a “precautionary measure”.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “In common with a number of schools across the UK, Bankton Primary School in Livingston received a threatening phone call this morning (Tuesday, 24 May).

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“In consultation with Police Scotland, the school followed their emergency plan to calmly evacuate the school as a precaution. Pupils returned to the school a short time later after police had checked the school and declared it safe.

“Parents have been notified via our Groupcall system.”

A number of schools across the UK have reportedly received such calls in the last few days, with a school in Northern Ireland also evacuated on Tuesday.

Officers are said to be searching buildings as “significant inquiries” continue.

Carluke primary and Canberra primary in East Kilbride were among the schools evacuated in South Lanarkshire.

Pupils and staff at Dunrobin Primary in Airdrie were also removed from classes but have now returned.

Perth High School was also targeted by a call but was not evacuated on police advice, as were schools in East and West Lothian.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “A number of schools across the central belt have received a threat via the telephone.

“Police Scotland would like to reassure the public that at present these do not appear to be credible threats, however they are being taken seriously.

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“Staff and police are working with local authorities and are currently searching school buildings.

“Some schools as a precautionary measure have been evacuated and significant inquiries are under way.”

“In common with a number of schools across the UK, a West Lothian school received a threatening phone call this morning.

“In consultation with Police Scotland, the school followed their emergency plan to calmly evacuate the school as a precaution.

“Pupils returned to the school a short time later after police had checked the school and declared it safe.”

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