Malicious letters sent to Hertfordshire schools

24 April 2019, 11:05 | Updated: 24 April 2019, 11:07

A man from St Albans has been arrested in connection in connection with a series of malicious letters allegedly containing threats sent to sent to schools in south Hertfordshire.

Police are appealing for information after malicious letters containing threats were allegedly sent to three schools in south Hertfordshire.

On Tuesday, April 16, malicious letters containing threats were allegedly sent to Bromet Primary School, The Ascot Road Community Free School and the Watford Grammar School for Girls.

Officers from Watford Local Crime Unit launched an investigation and liaised with the schools involved as well as appropriate partners as part of their early enquiries.

The schools affected are working closely with the police and have activated their safeguarding procedures to ensure the protection of their students. Parents and guardians have been contacted and made fully aware of the situation.

A man from St Albans has been arrested in connection with the investigation.

The 38 year-old was later released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan said:

"In the past week we have followed several lines of enquiry and so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the threats contained within the letters are legitimate.

However public safety is of paramount importance and we take these types of incidents extremely seriously. We are continuing our work to determine the source of these letters in order to deal with the offender(s) in a robust manner.

Students, parents and the local community will see increased police presence around the three schools in question as a reassurance measure. We understand that some people may find this unsettling however if you have any concerns then please do not hesitate to approach an officer.”

Anyone with information should contact Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan in the Watford Local Crime Unit by calling 01923 472961 or emailing jason.finnegan@herts.pnn.police.uk