Police give all clear after hundreds of pupils sent home over hoax bomb scare

Hundreds of students were sent home from Bristnall Hall Academy, Oldbury Academy and Holly Lodge in Oldbury, and Leasowes High School in Halesowen.

Lessons were interrupted and pupils told to leave as quickly as possible as parents were contacted to come and collect their children.

Following searches of the schools West Midlands Police said that no bombs or suspicious objects had been been found.

Investigations are continuing to try to trace the caller behind the bomb threats, which have been confirmed as hoaxes.

Many parents at Moat Farm Infant School in Oldbury also collected their children due to the events taking place at nearby schools.

Leasowes High School said that following police checks the building was been declared safe and that lessons would recommence as soon as possible.

Bristnall Hall Academy, Oldbury Academy, and Holly Lodge School did not open again after the evacuations, but said they would return as normal tomorrow.

Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper emphasised their had been no wider threat to schools and praised the reaction of those involved.

He said: "I'd like to thank the police and schools for their sensible and rapid response to these threats and for parents who changed their own arrangements so that they could collect their children early."

Dudley Councillor Ian Cooper, cabinet member for children's services, said: "Leasowes High school in Halesowen was evacuated this morning after receiving a call which turned out to be a bomb hoax.

"We are working with West Midlands Police on this incident but there is no suggestion of any other threat to other schools in Dudley borough.

"We can reassure parents that the situation was dealt with quickly and safely."

West Midlands Police spokesman Billy Corrigan said: "Some institutions took the independent decision to evacuate students. All are safe and being cared for by staff..

"A police investigation is now underway to find the person responsible for the calls."

The Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre in Broomfield, Smethwick, was opened by Sandwell Council for children who had to leave school but were unable to get home.

The authority sent out youth workers to help children get home or to the Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre.

A police investigation is under way and anyone with information should contact West Midlands Police on 101.