A SCHOOL in Newcastle has been forced to shut following reports of a “malicious” email received.
Police are currently responding to the incident at Benfield School, with the concerning communication understood to have been sent overnight.
A statement on the school’s website this morning reads: “Due to a Health and Safety Emergency Benfield has been closed.
“We will keep you informed through the usual channels of any updates of when the school will re-open.
“Apologies for the inconvenience.”
The site was initially evacuated as a precaution before being closed completely for the rest of the day.
Northumbria Police said: “At around 7.50am today (Tuesday), we received a report of malicious communications directed towards a school on Benfield Road in Walkergate, Newcastle.
“It is understood an email was received overnight. Officers are currently in attendance to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to the public.
“In collaboration with the school, a decision was made to evacuate the premises as a precaution. A subsequent decision was then made by the school to close for the remainder of the day.”
Newcastle City Council and North East Academy Trust (NEAT) have been contacted for further information.
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