Key Points:
- 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of malicious communications
- St Mary’s School in Walthamstow closed on Monday after receiving a violent threat
- Email received at 7:30am allegedly threatened acts of violence on school grounds
- Nursery also closed as a precautionary safety measure
- Other schools reportedly received similar threats
- Suspect remains in custody, investigation ongoing by South Yorkshire Police
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a threat of violence was reportedly made against St Mary’s School in Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, prompting its closure on Monday morning. Police confirmed that the teenager was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and remains in custody while investigations continue. The threat, reportedly sent via email, included a message referring to “committing acts of violence to those on our premises,” causing immediate concern and a swift response from school leadership and police.
Why did St Mary’s School in Walthamstow close?
St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, located in the Walthamstow area of east London, was shut down temporarily on the morning of Monday, April 14, following an emailed threat. The email was received at around 7:30am and allegedly included violent threats directed at people on the premises.
The school quickly informed parents and staff and decided to close as a precaution. The school’s nursery, which had remained open for childcare during the Easter holidays, was also closed and all children were sent home.
Who was arrested in connection with the threat?
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications. Although further details about the suspect’s identity have not been disclosed due to his age, he is currently in police custody as part of an ongoing investigation.
The arrest follows coordination between Metropolitan Police officers and their counterparts in South Yorkshire, suggesting the investigation may involve incidents across multiple regions.
Were other schools targeted in the same threat?
Yes, according to an email seen by the Evening Standard, the threat against St Mary’s was not isolated. The message reportedly referenced similar threats to other schools, although exact names and locations have not been made public.
Stella Creasy, Labour and Co-op MP for Walthamstow, confirmed on social media that other schools outside London were affected. She described the threat as “shocking,” adding that St Mary’s is the only school in Walthamstow to have received it directly.
“I can confirm that the school has received a threat that is being taken seriously,” MP Creasy said. “This threat has also been received by other schools outside London… The police are on the site to actively investigate.”
What have the police said about the investigation?
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police stated that a 17-year-old had been detained in connection with the incident. No further details were shared regarding the scope of the investigation or whether more arrests are expected.
The Metropolitan Police have not issued a separate statement at this time, but officers were seen at the school premises on Monday to assist with safety procedures and initial inquiries.
What is the community response?
Parents and staff expressed concern over the security of the school and its students. While the situation was handled promptly, some called for more clarity on long-term safety measures in light of multiple schools reportedly receiving similar threats.
MP Stella Creasy urged residents not to circulate unverified information, stressing the need to rely on official updates.
“As soon as I have further information I will share,” Creasy added. “For now, the above is the only accurate summary of what is happening, so please do not share anything else.”
With the suspect in custody and investigations underway, the situation remains fluid. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the threats are linked to a larger coordinated effort. For now, St Mary’s School continues to work closely with police to ensure the safety of its pupils and staff as the investigation unfolds.
