THREATS aimed at a headteacher of a North-East secondary school are being investigated by police after appearing on social media.

Concerned students reported a series of anonymous online posts published via the picture-sharing social network, Instagram, designed to scare pupils and staff at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington.

Violent threats were made using a public account on the social network over a three-day period, with pictures of the school and disturbing messages being added between Saturday, January 7, and Monday, January 9.

Durham Police have confirmed that a number of students at the academy off Edinburgh Drive have been spoken to regarding the threats.

A Durham Police spokesman said: “This matter came to our attention yesterday (Sunday, January 8), when a number of students at the academy registered their concerns about threats made on Instagram aimed at the academy and certain members of staff.

“Several students have been spoken to, in the presence of their parents or legal guardians and enquiries are continuing.

“We are also liaising with the academy to ensure their staff are kept fully updated.”

A meeting between Durham Police officers and Hummersknott Academy staff members took place at the school yesterday afternoon.

Following the meeting, a Hummersknott Academy spokeswoman confirmed that police were contacted by staff members over the threats.

An investigation is ongoing at the academy that currently schools around 1,250 pupils aged 11 to 16-years-old.