Have schools been put into lockdown in Gateshead?

A number of schools have been put into lockdown this morning across Gateshead, Northumbria Police have confirmed.

***LATEST 12:02 – Gateshead Council now say that malicious communications sent this morning are not a ‘creditable threat’ and that Northumbria Police are working to re-assure parents and students that they are safe. Schools no longer need to be on voluntary lockdown.***

What do police say?

Police and schools say pre-cautionary measures have been put in place due to malicious communications sent by emails overnight to them, including to Cardinal Hume Catholic School in Gateshead.

The police have confirmed that children in schools are safe and there is no wider threat to the public. Enquiries are currently being carried out.

We will bring you more on this breaking story as we get it.