Bomb threat hoax at Taylor High

The New Stevenston school received a hoax call claiming there was an explosive device within the building around 9am.

A similar call was also made to Calderhead High School in Shotts.

Several schools throughout the UK have received such hoax calls over the past week, with Taylor being the first within the Times & Speaker circulation area.

Following guidance from police, the school was not evacuated, and was back operating as usual this afternoon.

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Staff at Taylor High School received a telephone call this morning claiming there was an explosive device within the school building.

“They then took advice from Police Scotland on how best to handle the situation.”

A police spokesperson said: “Police Scotland is investigating a series of malicious hoax threats made to two schools in North Lanarkshire earlier today (Tuesday, May 31).

“The schools were Taylor High School, Motherwell, and Calderhead High School, Shotts.

“Both schools have now returned to their daily routine.

“There is no information to suggest these threats were terrorist related.

“Police Scotland is working with other forces to investigate who is responsible and whether the incidents are linked to others in the UK.

“We take hoaxes extremely seriously. They divert police resources and cause disruption and alarm to the public.

“Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency always call 999.”