15 schools in South Offaly received bomb scare emails
“Death awaits you” was the subject line in the email.
A NUMBER of schools in South Offaly received threatening emails during a nationwide email hoax, warning them of potential attacks on Wednesday October 14.
15 primary schools located in the region received the bomb scare email. “All of the schools contacted us after receiving the email, seeking advice,” a Garda spokesperson told the Tribune. “Most of the schools decided to remain open in spite of the unsettling and worrying correspondence and a small number decided to close their doors.”
The bomb scare communication happened on the same day as widespread industrial action over public sector pay, where the majority of schools across the country were closed and pickets placed outside.
The Department of Education said it consulted with the Gardaí on the issue, who advised any school in receipt of the email to contact Gardaí.
“Death awaits you” was the subject line in the email and the main body of the email began with “Greetings”. It continued: “We are Hamas militants. Today we planted an explosive device in your building.” The email was sent at around 10.30am. The person or persons behind it demanded “an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as that the European Union withdraw its support for Israel” and “you have one hour before dozens of people are blown to pieces”. The author said the “explosive device was carefully crafted and contains a timer that will remotely detonate it once the specified time has elapsed. To prevent detection by sniffer dogs, it was placed in a vacuum-sealed bag, which makes it impossible to find.” The email concluded with “Allahu Akbar” - an Arabic phrase which means “God is the greatest”.