Hoax bomb threats hit hundreds of schools in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hungary and Serbia
Emailed threats forced evacuations and some closures on Monday. Police in all four places say no bombs were found and the warnings appear to be hoaxes; it is not yet known whether they are linked.
At a glance
- Hundreds of schools in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hungary and Serbia received bomb threats on Monday, October 19, 2026.
- In Northern Ireland, up to 300 schools got the same threatening email; police are treating it as a hoax, and most schools stayed open.
- Hungarian police said threats were made against more than 70 schools and more than 100 schools were targeted in Serbia; no devices were found.
- Authorities have not said whether the threats are connected.
Hundreds of schools in four parts of Europe received bomb threats on Monday, October 19, 2026, causing evacuations and some closures. Police in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hungary and Serbia say no bombs were found and the warnings appear to be hoaxes.
Where the threats were sent
| Place | Schools targeted | How | What happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | Up to 300 (160 reported by mid-morning) | The same email to each school | Some schools closed or evacuated; most stayed open |
| Scotland | A number of schools | "Threatening messages" | Treated as a hoax; police investigating |
| Hungary | More than 70 | Emails sent to local media | Many evacuated; no bombs found |
| Serbia | More than 100 | Not specified | Threats reported nationwide |
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan said 160 schools had received a threat by Monday morning, and police later said up to 300 got the same email, which contained a general threat and claimed there were "viable devices" in school buildings. Givan said the message appeared to come from extremists and was signed with a religious phrase. He condemned those responsible for trying to disrupt the education system.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was making urgent enquiries and liaising with the schools concerned, and that it was treating the email as a hoax. The Education Authority said the majority of schools remained open, while some started evacuation procedures.
Scotland, Hungary and Serbia
- Scotland: Police Scotland said threatening messages were sent to a number of schools and are "being treated as a hoax".
- Hungary: police said emails sent to local media claimed bombs had been placed in more than 70 schools. Many were evacuated. Interior Minister Gábor Pósfai said the threats "have proved to be unfounded".
- Serbia: more than 100 schools received threats, according to reports.
A familiar pattern
Waves of emailed hoax bomb threats against schools, airports and public buildings have hit several European countries in recent years, often sent in bulk from anonymous email accounts. They are designed to cause fear and disruption, and investigators say tracing the senders can take a long time.
Why it matters
Even when there is no real danger, hoaxes force schools to evacuate children, tie up police and bomb-disposal teams, and frighten families. Making a hoax bomb threat is a serious criminal offence in all four places, punishable by prison.
Advice for parents
- Follow instructions from the school and police.
- Avoid forwarding unverified messages or rumours on social media.
- Reassure children that schools have safety procedures for such events.
What happens next
Police in each country are investigating who sent the messages and whether the threats are linked. Schools are expected to operate normally unless authorities announce otherwise.
Questions people are asking
Were the school bomb threats in Northern Ireland real?
No devices were found. Police said the email sent to schools on October 19, 2026, is being treated as a hoax, though they are still investigating who sent it.
Which countries had school bomb threats on October 19?
Northern Ireland and Scotland in the UK, Hungary and Serbia. Hundreds of schools were affected in total, and some were evacuated.
What should parents do after a school hoax threat?
Follow the school's and police instructions, avoid sharing unverified messages on social media, and talk calmly with children. Schools follow set procedures and reopen once police confirm there is no danger.
