POLICE are attending a number of schools in Chester and Ellesmere Port after a threatening email was sent.

One of the Chester schools – Lache Primary School in Hawthorn Road – was temporarily gone into lockdown as a precaution.

A message sent by the school headteacher Kate Seager says: "Dear Parents and Carers, we are informing you that the school is currently in lockdown.

"This procedure is precautionary and has been initiated due to the school receiving an email.

"The same email has been sent to a number of schools in Cheshire, Liverpool and Manchester.

"The police have been notified and are dealing with the situation.

"Your children are safe and continuing with learning.

"Please do not call school as we need the phone line to remain open.

"Do not come to school, we cannot release your child or allow anyone to enter the building.

"These measures are in place to keep your children safe.

"We will update you as soon as the police have been back in touch."

The school has since posted an update to say police had attended the school to provide reassurance they are dealing with the situation and are happy with the procedures in place, adding: "The children are having their lunch and in high spirits."

No children are being allowed out, or parents in, at this time. The school has added there is not a threat on site.

A Cheshire police spokesperson said: "At around 10.05am on Tuesday 12 September, police were made aware of an email which had been sent to a number of schools in Chester and Ellesmere Port which made threats to pupils and staff.

"An investigation has been launched and officers have been attending schools to provide reassurance."

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Hancock added: “We would like to reassure parents that this is believed to be malicious and we are doing everything we can to locate the person responsible for these emails."

Blacon High School has posted: "For reassurance, Blacon High School is not currently in lockdown.

"Following a communication which is now being dealt with by the police, we have taken precautions and put in place additional measures to ensure that all students and staff are safe."

Rivacre Valley Primary School and Nursery posted: "Just to inform you, despite some schools in Ellesmere Port and surrounding areas receiving a threatening email, nothing has been received at Rivacre Valley.

"All children and staff are safe and school is operating as normal."

UPDATE 2.20pm

Lache Primary School has confirmed the lockdown will be lifted gradually this afternoon.

A statement from the school: "Working in conjunction with the police, they would like to reassure parents that this is believed to be a malicious hoax.

"Therefore, we are happy to release the children but this will need to be in a staggered and controlled way for everyone’s safety.

"Nursery and Reception - 2.30pm

"Year 1 and 2 - 2.35pm

"Year 3 and 4 - 2.40pm

"Year 5 and 6 - 2.45pm (All must be collected by an adult known to school)

"Normal gates. One way system."

Update 6pm

Lache Primary School has thanked parents and carers for their understanding and support on an "incredibly worrying and difficult day".

The school's headteacher Kate Seager has posted the following statement: "Keeping your children safe is our number one priority and we place this responsibility above everything else.

"We are relieved that the police believe that this unpleasant email is a hoax, however, we will always take a cautious approach when confronted with situations of this nature.

"The police commended Lache Primary School's lockdown and safeguarding procedures and it was, with the effort and dedication of the whole staff team, very effective.

"We have worked, in conjunction with the police, all day and, even though they feel that the email is a hoax the police and school will continue to be vigilant.

"There is no need to keep your child off school tomorrow. Tomorrow will run as normal.

"The atmosphere in school today was very positive and despite the obvious disruption your sons and daughters were a credit to you and to school.

"We are aware that social media, modern entertainment, the effects of exaggeration and them talking to one another can increase the anxiety for some.

"Staff are fully aware of the anxiety today may have caused and will be ready to support your children with any apprehension, worries and questions.

"Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Your kind words and thanks made the staff feel appreciated after a day out of the ordinary."