Hundreds of schools in UK, Hungary, Serbia evacuated after bomb threat emails

On October 19, 2026, hundreds of schools across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hungary, and Serbia received bomb threat emails, prompting emergency evacuations and temporary closures. In Northern Ireland alone, approximately 160 to 300 schools were affected. The emails claimed explosive devices containing ammonium nitrate (ANFO) had been placed in school buildings and were signed with the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great), referencing Islamic law and Sharia law. Schools including St Colman's Primary School in Lambeg, Greenisland Primary School, and Rosetta Primary School were evacuated as a precaution, with parents instructed to collect children immediately. Police and education authorities across all affected regions stated the threats were not credible and were being treated as hoax bomb scares or pranks.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), alongside authorities in Scotland, Hungary, and Serbia, launched urgent investigations. Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan and other officials confirmed widespread alarm and disruption to education, though emphasizing that threats were unfounded. Hungarian authorities reported that over 70 schools received similar threats, with many evacuated but no explosives found. In Serbia, more than 100 schools received bomb threats. Scottish police also confirmed multiple schools in Scotland received identical threatening emails. The origin of the coordinated emails remains unclear, though authorities noted similar threats had been sent to schools in the Republic of Ireland the previous week. All investigations were ongoing as of the reported dates.