Police investigate possibility of link between Alnwick hoax call and others nationwide

Earlier, schools in Alnwick were put on lock down after Lindisfarne Middle School received an alarming call this morning. Police described it as a 'call of concern', but following investigations, it was treated as a hoax.

It came as a number of other schools around the country, including Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees, received hoax calls and had to be evacuated. A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "We are looking at whether there may be a link at this time."

Meanwhile, Alnwick Inspector Paul Truscott said investigations have started to trace whoever is responsible for the call to Lindisfarne. He said: "The call received today at Lindisfarne School has been identified as a hoax and an investigation is underway to identify the person responsible – it appears from other media reports similar calls have been made across the country.

"There is nothing for the community to be concerned about and we urge all schools, businesses and residents to go about their normal business – we thank the community for their continued support."