Merseyside Police arrested a 21-year-old man from Runcorn in late January 2026 after a series of hoax emails were sent to several schools across Merseyside.
The messages, which began on 19 January and continued on multiple dates that week, prompted some schools to close or to lock classroom doors and implement lockdown procedures. HolIy Lodge Girls’ College in West Derby received a threatening email on 19 January; West Derby School closed on 21 January; Greenbank High School in Southport (Sefton) moved briefly into “shelter mode” on 23 January; and The Belvedere Academy in Princes Park received a message later in the week, according to local reporting.
Merseyside Police said the 21-year-old man from Runcorn was detained on suspicion of offences under the Online Safety Act and taken into custody for questioning; enquiries are ongoing. In media statements the force has sought to reassure parents that schools have well‑established and practised procedures to keep pupils and staff safe when potential incidents or threats are reported.
The disruption forced some schools to trigger emergency plans with reporting explaining that “shelter mode” keeps pupils inside with added security measures — including locking internal doors and windows — while normal lessons continue where possible.
Sefton Council’s education services and Merseyside Police have been working with affected schools to provide guidance and support to headteachers, parents and pupils. Police have also reminded the public that sending hoax or malicious communications is a criminal offence, can drain emergency resources and causes distress to families.
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