A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after multiple schools across Sheffield and London received threatening emails on Monday morning, warning of potential violence involving firearms.

The messages, which sparked widespread alarm among parents and staff, were sent to nine schools in Sheffield and St Mary’s Primary School and Nursery in Walthamstow, East London, prompting closures and increased police presence.

Threats Spark School Closures

The threatening emails reportedly mentioned a man with a gun intent on causing harm, leading to St Mary’s Nursery being closed for the day as a precaution.

In an email to parents, St Mary’s School confirmed:

“We received an email referring to committing acts of violence to those on our premises… At this stage, they have classed the threat as credible.”

Parents were urged to make alternative childcare arrangements, and police were quickly deployed to the school’s premises.

Arrest and Police Response

South Yorkshire Police confirmed the arrest of a 17-year-old on suspicion of malicious communications. The teenager remains in custody as the investigation continues.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and neighbourhood policing patrols are taking place today at the locations mentioned in the email as a further precaution, and to provide reassurance to residents,” the force said in a statement.

The Metropolitan Police added that the Walthamstow email threat is believed to be linked to those received by the schools in Sheffield, but stressed that the threats are not currently believed to be genuine.

Political and Public Reactions

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy addressed concerned parents on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“I can confirm that the school has received a threat that is being taken seriously. 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 site to actively investigate.”

She added:

“For those parents organising childcare, it is reasonable to assume the nursery will be closed for at least this morning while investigations take place. I recognise this is shocking – for someone to threaten a school.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities are continuing to investigate the origins of the threats and whether there was any intention or capability to carry them out.

Parents across the affected areas have expressed both fear and gratitude for the swift police response. Schools and police forces are urging the public to remain calm and not to share misinformation online as investigations continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via 101, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.