West Midlands: Four schools evacuated over bomb threat

Four schools across the West Midlands have been evacuated after receiving calls alerting them to bomb threats. Leasowes High School in Dudley, Oldbury Academy, Holly Lodge High School, Bristnall Hall Academy, all in Oldbury, all received the calls between 9am and 9.30am on the morning of 19 January.

All pupils and staff at the schools are safe and an investigation is now under way to find the person responsible for the calls.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Detectives are investigating after three Sandwell schools received bomb scare calls this morning. A school in Dudley was also affected. Institutions took the independent decision to evacuate students. All are safe and being cared for as usual by staff.

A spokesperson for Sandwell Council, which operates the schools in Oldbury, added: "Three Sandwell schools were evacuated this morning after receiving bomb scare calls.

"Sandwell Council is working with West Midlands Police. The schools are Holly Lodge, Bristnall Hall and Oldbury Academy. There is no suggestion of any other threat to other schools in Sandwell. Parents are being reassured everything is being done to ensure the safety of the children and there is no reason to panic."