Italy Evacuates Over 300 Schools After Bomb Threat; Similar Threats Hit UK Regions

Italian authorities evacuated over 300 schools on Wednesday after receiving an emailed bomb threat, marking the latest in a series of disruptions across Europe following recent hoaxes targeting airlines and broadcasters. The threats prompted immediate security checks, though no explosive devices were found.

Similar threatening emails were sent to schools in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Police in Northern Ireland said they were conducting urgent inquiries, while Police Scotland described the messages as hoaxes and did not require schools to evacuate. No evacuations were reported in those regions.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni stated that there was no indication of any 'concrete danger' to schools and that the threats appeared designed to 'generate alarm and concern.' She said investigations were underway and convened a meeting of ministers later on Wednesday to address the situation.

The anonymous email, copies of which were obtained by Italian media including the LaPresse news agency, also contained a personal threat against Meloni. The email purported to come from the leader of an otherwise unknown group with an anti-woman name and included particularly violent language. It was signed with the same Russian name used in last week's threats against European broadcasters.

Authorities have not attributed the threats to any specific group or state, and no evidence has emerged linking the hoaxes to any government. The incidents follow a pattern of similar disruptions across Europe, raising concerns about security and the spread of anonymous threats.

The evacuations in Italy were carried out as a precautionary measure, and schools were expected to reopen after security checks were completed. The threats remain under investigation by local and national authorities.