THE POLICE has released a statement about this morning's bomb hoaxes at Leasowes High, Perryfields High and Oldbury Academy.

The statement in full: "Seven schools have been targeted by bomb hoaxers this morning (Monday).

The calls − received by each of the schools − were made from around 8am.

As with the previous alerts each call was immediately and individually assessed by the force’s specialist intelligence cell and counter terrorism experts.

Again there was no credibility to the threats which are believed to be linked to those made across the UK on January 19, 26 and 28 and February 1.

The details of the latest calls have been relayed to the South West Counter Terrorism Unit which is the national lead for these linked alerts.

We will continue to support their on-going, thorough and lengthy investigation.

Two weeks ago West Midlands Police wrote to all parents − sending out the letters via all seven local councils − providing them with an update and issuing them with advice about what to do and what not to do should their school be subject to one of the current spate of hoaxes.

The decision about whether to evacuate or not remains with the school on the basis of their individual plans and our advice that these are hoaxes.

We fully support head teachers whatever they decide in this difficult situation.

Schools are some of the safest and most secure public spaces with well-rehearsed safety plans in place to deal with a range of emergencies. Staff are highly trained and the wellbeing of students is their top priority.

The schools will update parents at the earliest available opportunity but disruption to learning will be kept to a minimum.

Parents are urged not to call the police for updates nor should they attend the school unless specifically asked to by staff.

You can find out more about how schools, the council and you can prepare for emergencies here: www.gov.uk/local-planning-emergency-major-incident Anyone with information, which may aid officers investigating the calls, should contact police on 101.

The schools affected: Leasowes High School in Dudley, Holly Lodge Foundation High, Oldbury Academy and Perryfields High Schools in Sandwell, Edgbaston High School for Girls, King David and Kind Edwards Boys Schools in Birmingham.