Dover secondary school shut down after threatening email sparks panic
Urgent Closure at Astor Secondary School
Astor Secondary School on Astor Avenue in Dover was abruptly closed early this morning (6 May 2025) following the receipt of a threatening email. Parents were swiftly warned to keep their children away from the site as the school dealt with an “urgent incident.”
Police Label Threat ‘Non-Credible’
kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police confirmed they were alerted at 7:37am about the threatening email. Officers rushed to the scene, reassuring staff and advising on safety. A police spokesperson said:
“The email is being treated as a non-credible threat. Enquiries into the correspondence are ongoing.”
Despite reassurances, the school evacuated pupils and staff just before 8am for a thorough precautionary search of the premises.
School Sends Urgent Message to Parents
Astor Secondary School told families:
“Due to the site needing to be thoroughly checked, we have been advised to clear the site of staff and students immediately. Further updates will follow.”
Students already at school were sent home, with the school promising to contact parents directly if any issues arose.
Rising Tide of School Threats Across the UK
- In March 2025, Cardinal Hume Catholic School in Gateshead was locked down after receiving hoax threatening emails.
- Earlier this May, a schoolboy armed with a large kitchen knife injured two people on school grounds in Luton before being detained by police.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Info
Kent Police are conducting a full investigation to trace the source of the threatening email. They emphasise there is no current danger to pupils or staff.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police via 101, quoting today’s date.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
