Willingdon Community School in Eastbourne evacuated after ‘bomb threat’ hoax

Willingdon Community School in Eastbourne received a phone call making a bomb threat.

The call was made shortly before 11.30am on Friday, November 12.

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Staff at the secondary school on Broad Road safely evacuated all buildings.

Willingdon Community School in Eastbourne has been evacuated after a bomb threat. Credit: Dan Jessup

The entire site was searched by police officers, but nothing suspicious was found.

According to Sussex Police, the call is being regarded as a hoax.

The students and teachers returned to the school by 12.30pm.

In a statement sent to parents, Willingdon Community School headteacher Ms Emily Beer said: "We received a hoax bomb threat this morning and followed our emergency evacuation procedures.

"The police arrived promptly and carried out the necessary checks and deemed the site safe to return to.

Willingdon Community School in Eastbourne has been evacuated after a bomb threat. Credit: Dan Jessup

"We would like to reassure you that our community is safe and have now returned to their classrooms.

"However, we have amended the structure of the school day to build in time with their tutors to ensure they all feel reassured and ready for learning lesson six.

"We also will ensure all students have a lunchtime and opportunity to buy food and use the toilets.

"We ask our parents and carers not to turn up at the school or ring through to our reception to check on their children as our time now is required to return to learning and cooperate with the police.

"We understand parents’ anxiety but please be reassured that we have followed every protocol to keep our children and staff safe.

"We do apologise for the interruption this has caused to your child’s learning and we will keep you updated if there is further information on this hoax from the police."