Police are investigating after several schools were forced into lockdown after receiving an “email making threats”.

There was a large police presence in Northfleet this morning (February 13) as eight primary and secondary schools reported receiving concerning messages.

A police spokesperson told KentOnline that it first received reports from Shears Green Infant School, in Packham Road, that it had been sent “an email making threats” just before 8am.

Officers attended and liaised with staff at the premises and stayed in the area for reassurance.

The police said the correspondence is being treated as a “non-credible threat” and is being investigated.

Kent County Council (KCC) has since confirmed eight schools in the borough reported receiving similar emails.

A spokesperson for the local authority added: “Police officers attended schools in the area this morning (February 13) and will be in the area for reassurance as a precautionary measure with all schools open as usual.

“The affected schools have also been supported by KCC staff from the children, young people and education and infrastructure teams.

“The matter is now with Kent Police to conduct further investigations.”

It is understood Lawn Primary School and Shears Green Infant School received threats, but when contacted by KentOnline they declined to comment.

However, in a letter shared on social media from Shears Green’s head teacher Matt Paterson, he said the school was closed temporarily at short notice as a “precautionary measure”.

The statement explained the school had received messages suggesting the safety of those attending may be compromised.

Copperfield Academy has said it was affected and KentOnline has approached several other schools who are believed to have been sent threats.

Manor Community Primary School and Nursery, Westcourt Primary and Nursery School, Wrotham Road Primary School and Painters Ash Primary School have confirmed they did not receive the email.

Schools contacted for comment:

Lawn Primary School

St Boltoph C.E Primary

Northfleet School for Girls

St George’s C of E School

Shears Green

Thamesview School

Springhead Park Primary School

This list is not exhaustive.

Schools not affected:

Singlewell Primary School

Wrotham Road Primary School

Westcourt Primary and Nursery School

Manor Community Primary School

Painters Ash Primary School

Meopham School

Schools which received hoax calls:

Copperfield Academy

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should contact the force on 01474 366149, quoting reference 13-0182.