Thousands of European Schools Targeted by Coordinated Bomb Threat Emails

Technology & Cybersecurity | 12th November 2026

Thousands of schools across Italy, Britain and Ireland received threatening emails on 11th November, prompting evacuations and police investigations.

Approximately 6,300 Italian schools received bomb threats, with more than 300 evacuated as authorities assessed the warnings.

Similar messages reached around 470 schools in Scotland and more than 300 in Northern Ireland, alongside educational establishments in the Republic of Ireland.

Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland assessed the messages as hoaxes, advising schools that the threats did not justify widespread closures or evacuations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said there was no indication of a credible danger, although investigations remained under way.

Police in several countries are working to identify those responsible.

Schools, emergency services and local authorities faced additional pressure as they assessed the messages and reassured affected communities.

Although the incidents occurred across several countries, investigators have not publicly established that they were directed by a foreign government or organised cybercrime group.

The identity and motives of those responsible remain unknown.