SEVERAL schools across the central belt have been evacuated due to a bomb threat.
Police would not say which schools are affected but it is understood Carluke Primary School in Lanarkshire has been evacuated.
Pupils are believed to have been moved to the nearby High Mill Primary School in the town's Market Road.
It is also understood that the school was due to have its Sports Day this morning and families were expected at the grounds from around 10am onwards.
East Kilbride's Canberra Primary School has also been evacuated. The school is situated in the town's Belmont Drive.
Dunrobin Primary School in Airdrie was also evacuated but North Lanarkshire Council say the pupils have now returned to class.
The Evening Times understands that teachers have been told to keep their pupils indoors at some schools due to a region wide police security warning.
Police Scotland assistant chief constable Steve Johnson: "A number of schools across the central belt have received a threat via the telephone.
"Police Scotland would like to reassure the public that at present these do not appear to be credible threats, however they are being taken seriously.
"Staff and police are working with local authorities and are currently searching school buildings.
"Some schools as a precautionary measure, have been evacuated. Signficant enquiries are underway."
"Parents/guardians of those schools affected will be contacted by their local authority."
Locals in Carluke have been tweeting about the incident at the school which is situated on Belstane Road.
Many have said they can't get into their homes which are close to the school.
Apparently #Carluke primary school has been evacuated due to a bomb scare. Anyone know wtf is going on? Houses evacuated too... ☹
— ʝúƽ†-ʝℴckîƽ†åŋî-ℊ84 (@just_g84) May 24, 2016
The move by Police Scotland not to name affected schools has received a backlash from many parents who say this will result in unnecessary panic.
Lianne Russell said: "Parents have the right to know what schools are affected in case it involves the schools their child attends."
Lynn Dale said: "The Central Belt covers quite a large geographical area, would Police Scotland like to narrow it down a bit and not worry parents unnecessarily?
"Now you will succeed in tying up the 101 number with concerned parents, have lessons not been learned?"
Laura McMenamy added: "Think police Scotland should be naming the schools affected or at least the town. Disgrace leaving parents frightened."
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