Parents in Walthamstow were left alarmed on Monday morning after St Mary’s School received a threatening email, prompting a swift police response and an ongoing investigation. Local MP Stella Creasy confirmed the incident in a public statement aimed at providing clarity and preventing the spread of misinformation.
The threat, which was also reportedly sent to other schools outside of London, is being taken seriously by police, who remain on-site at the Brooke Road location. The incident has raised concerns about school security and safety, particularly as similar threats have surfaced elsewhere in the country.
MP Urges Calm Amid Concern
“I can confirm that the school has received a threat that is being taken seriously,” Creasy wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This threat has also been received by other schools outside London. This is the only school in Walthamstow to receive this, and the police are on the site to actively investigate.”
Creasy urged the public not to circulate rumours or unverified claims, stating that her post reflected the only accurate summary of the situation as of this morning.
Nursery Relocates as a Precaution
Though no pupils were present at the school due to the Easter holidays, the school’s nursery has chosen to relocate as a precaution. Creasy acknowledged the stress this might cause for parents trying to arrange childcare but said safety must come first while investigations are ongoing.
“I recognise this is shocking—for someone to threaten a school—and as soon as I have further information, I will share it,” she added.
Police: Threats Not Believed to Be Credible
In a statement, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that the email threat was reported around 6:30am on Monday, April 14.
“The nursery has chosen to relocate as a precautionary measure, although no pupils were attending the school today due to the Easter holidays.
An investigation is ongoing; however, at this stage, the threats are not being treated as credible.”
Police also confirmed they are working in coordination with South Yorkshire Police, as similar threats were reportedly made to schools in the Sheffield area, suggesting a potential nationwide hoax or coordinated campaign.
Heightened School Safety Awareness
This incident comes amid growing concern over school security in the UK. While the threats are not currently deemed credible, the widespread nature of the messages has led to increased police visibility around some school sites and renewed conversations about digital threat monitoring and emergency planning.
Authorities are urging parents and guardians to remain calm, follow updates only from verified sources, and to contact local police if they have any concerns or information.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
