Police swept a Birmingham school for explosives after a bomb threat was sent to the school and also to regulators Ofsted earlier today, Tuesday. Hamd House School in Burbidge Road, Bordesley Green, which has 450 pupils aged 11 to 16, was forced to evacuate youngsters because of the threat on their last day before the summer break.
School Proprietor Confirms Search
School proprietor Israr Khan said specialist search police with sniffer dogs arrived and searched the grounds and swept through the school before giving the all clear. However, the youngsters' last day before the summer break, including an awards celebration, was disrupted.
Mr Khan said the Muslim ethos independent school, rated outstanding by Ofsted, appeared to have been deliberately targeted and noted there had been other recent incidents against staff and the school. Ofsted were also copied in to the threat.
Disruption to End-of-Year Celebrations
Mr Khan added: "School was full and pupils were celebrating the last day before summer, we were giving out awards and having a day of celebration and fun on this special day, and this was hugely disrupting." The bomb threat was contained in an email sent to the school this morning.
West Midlands Police officers and sniffer dogs searched the school and found nothing suspicious.
Outstanding Ofsted Rating
The school is rated outstanding by Ofsted. It operates a Muslim ethos and is described by Ofsted as 'highly inclusive' and a school where every child is 'safe, happy, visible and valued'. Ofsted also found that 'pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged, consistently achieve highly. Their work is of a very high quality. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) also achieve exceptionally well. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.'
Police Investigation Underway
In a letter to parents, Mr Khan thanked them for their prompt support and calm evacuation. He said: "At this stage the matter remains an open police investigation. An unusual and bizarre quirk to this situation is that the threat was also sent to Ofsted. The police have logged this incident as harassment. We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and follow any advice they provide."
He added: "We appreciate that today's events were upsetting and disappointing... our end of year celebrations, leaving activities and awards ceremonies had to be brought to an abrupt end. We sincerely apologise for the disruption caused."
West Midlands Police have been asked for a comment.
