Police have said they are conducting “urgent inquiries” after a threatening email was sent to hundreds of schools across Northern Ireland.

The Education Authority (EA) said the message has “similarities” with a hoax threat sent to schools across the region last month.

Police in the Republic of Ireland also said they were aware of a “generic communication” that has been sent to a number of educational establishments.

The Department of Education advised schools in Northern Ireland to remain open “unless otherwise advised by the PSNI”.

An MLA has condemned the “reckless bomb threats” sent to schools.

It is understood the email has been sent to more than 300 schools.

The EA statement 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.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had received reports about the email.

A statement said: “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.”

A message sent to parents at one school, seen by the Press Association, said it had been advised there was no credible threat and that the school would stay open following a check of the premises.

Last month, a number of schools in Northern Ireland and Scotland closed following a hoax bomb threat.

Stormont’s education minister Paul Givan said on that occasion the threat was “Islamist” and had been signed off “Allahu Akbar”.

In a social media post, Alliance Party MLA Paula Bradshaw said on Wednesday: “I strongly condemn the reckless bomb threats sent to schools this morning.

“Such actions are unacceptable, causing fear and distress among pupils, parents and staff.

“Please remain calm and follow official guidance.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected.”

A Garda spokesperson said the force was “aware of a generic communication that has been sent to a number of educational establishments” in the Republic of Ireland.

The spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána assess this threat as not credible and is not advising any educational establishment to evacuate.

“Gardaí are engaging with a number of educational establishments.”