LIPA School in Liverpool has been forced to close after receiving a bomb threat and a threat to cause harm, which the headteacher described as a 'serious and credible risk' due to recent media attention. The school informed parents in a letter that it would be closed for the day while working with Merseyside Police.
Police said a number of schools across the city had received similar email communications, but all were believed to be hoaxes. Chief Inspector Phil Thompson stated there was no requirement for other schools to close. Officers were seen at LIPA School this morning providing support.
The threat comes amid heightened scrutiny of the school, which is set to close permanently this summer due to significant financial deficits, a poor Ofsted rating, falling pupil numbers, and inadequate facilities. Despite sharing a name with Paul McCartney's arts institute, the school is run by a separate trust.
This is not the first such incident in the area; in January, West Derby School closed for a day after a 'malicious communication' that police later said was likely a hoax. Merseyside Police are investigating the latest threat and will take appropriate action against those responsible.
