Bomb Threat Emails Target Hundreds of European Schools, Triggering Evacuations and Police Checks

Hundreds of schools across the United Kingdom, Hungary and Serbia received bomb-threat emails on Monday, October 19, 2026, triggering evacuations, temporary closures and police investigations. Authorities are treating the warnings as apparent hoaxes, but inquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible and determine whether the incidents are connected.

According to reports, up to 300 schools in Northern Ireland received similar threatening messages, with other schools in the UK also affected. Police Scotland confirmed that threats had been sent to several schools, prompting precautionary evacuations in parts of Glasgow. Some affected schools subsequently reopened after security checks, as authorities assessed the messages and their credibility.

Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, Paul Givan, said the emails appeared to have an Islamist motivation because they reportedly referenced Sharia law and included the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar”. However, the wording of the messages does not establish the identity or beliefs of the sender, and authorities have not publicly confirmed who was responsible.

Hungary also reported threats against more than 70 schools. According to TVP World, an anonymous email warned of planned explosions, prompting police to investigate and conduct checks at affected institutions. At the time of reporting, no explosives had been found at the schools searched.

In Serbia, dozens of schools across several regions also received bomb threats, according to local news agency Tanjug. Police carried out security checks and evacuations in areas including Novi Sad, Kraljevo, Čačak and Subotica.

Although the incidents share similarities in timing and the use of threatening emails, authorities have not confirmed that the three countries were targeted as part of a coordinated operation. Investigators are examining the messages to establish their origin, credibility and possible motives.

The incidents have disrupted school activities and raised concerns among parents, pupils and teachers. Even when threats prove unfounded, schools and emergency services must take precautions to protect lives and ensure public safety.

For now, authorities are treating the warnings as apparent hoaxes while investigations continue. Identifying the senders and establishing whether the incidents are linked will be crucial to determining the full extent of the threat.