The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is conducting “urgent inquiries” after threatening emails were sent to hundreds of schools across Northern Ireland.

A statement said: “Police received reports today, Wednesday 11th November, of a concerning email sent to a number of schools across Northern Ireland.

“As a result of this email, police are conducting urgent inquiries and liaising with the schools in question.

“An update will be provided in due course.”

The Education Authority (EA) said the email has similarities to hoax threats sent to up to 300 schools across the region last month.

At the time, Stormont’s education minister Paul Givan said the threat was “Islamist” and had been signed off “Allahu Akbar”.

Police said checks and enquiries to date had not discovered anything untoward and confirmed the email originated from outside the UK.

On Wednesday, the EA said: “We are aware that another threatening email message has today been sent to a large number of schools in NI.

“The message has similarities with a bogus threat sent last month, which was declared a hoax by PSNI.

“EA is liaising with police on this latest message.

“At this stage, we have not been made aware of any evidence of any credible threat to schools.

“Investigations are continuing. It is for PSNI to determine the credibility or otherwise of any such message.

“As always, schools are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to PSNI.

“We fully appreciate that any message of this nature is distressing and can assure schools, parents/carers and children and young people that we will provide a further update following engagement with police.”