PARENTS are being asked not to contact police following reports of a threatening email being sent to more than 100 schools in the region.

Durham Police say they are taking the matter seriously but do not believe any of the threats are credible.

Earlier this month, more than 400 schools across England received hoax bomb threats believed to be coming from the US.

Chief Inspector Catherine Clarke, from Durham Constabulary, said: “We can confirm that at this time we believe none of the threats received by schools to date are considered to be credible.

“In the absence of any further threats being received, schools do not need to take any further action.

“If any further threats are received they should be reported immediately to police.

“We are in contact with the schools in our area to give guidance and reassurance.

“More than 100 schools in the North-East region have received the emails and we are working with neighbouring forces to establish the facts and investigate who is responsible."

One parent, Kate Stanley, whose three children attend Sedgefield Primary School, praised the advice coming out of the school.

She said: “It sounds alarming but actually I feel as a parent I'm in the loop and I can have my wits about me on collection, although I appreciate that rationally the threat seems to be a fake one. It's about using common sense I guess.

“I'm really impressed that our head Andrea Cox informed us. Communication is the key with these things and given some hysteria on Facebook with parents feeling worried, having heard nothing from their schools, at least we have been informed and feel reassured.”

Anyone with any information that could assist police should contact Durham Constabulary on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.