POLICE believe do not believe a primary school whose website was hacked by apparent Islamic extremists was deliberately targeted.

The homepage of Sowerby Primary School, near Thirsk, was replaced by a message purporting to come from an Islamist group.

Police are investigating and this afternoon Inspector Chris Galley, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Other organisations and businesses both locally, nationally and internationally have had their websites compromised in a similar manner in recent months and there is no suggestion that Sowerby Primary School was deliberately targeted in any way.

"The school have now removed their website and enquiries to establish the origin of the content are ongoing.

"It is important that all organisations with a public facing website ensure that they have sound security software in place to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring."

Sowerby Primary School sent out a message reassuring parents last night that this was not a specifically targeted threat and that there was no risk to children attending school. Both governors and police officers attended the school this morning as a reassurance to families.

Pete Dwyer, North Yorkshire's Corporate Director of the Children and Young People's Service said: "We have been working closely with the police on this matter. Our schools place great importance on website security but we understand that despite all best efforts public and corporate websites can be compromised in this way from time to time.

"We are reassured by the police in this case that this was a random breach and that children are not at any risk."

School governor Charles Allen said it was safe for parents to send their children to school.

On Facebook, he wrote: "The school is aware the website has been hacked and will get the message taken down as soon as possible.

"The school has been in dialogue with North Yorkshire Police. There is no need for anyone to contact the police any further. The school and police believe it is perfectly safe to send your child / children to school."