St Albans man arrested as police investigate threatening letters sent to Watford schools
A 38-year-old St Albans man has been arrested after Watford Grammar School for Girls and two other schools received threatening letters. Picture: Google street view. - Credit: Archant
A St Albans man has been arrested as part of an investigation into threatening letters sent to several schools.
Malicious letters containing threats were allegedly sent to Watford Grammar School for Girls, Bromet Primary School and Ascot Road Community Free School last Tuesday, April 16.
The schools affected are working closely with the police and have activated their safeguarding procedures to ensure the protection of their students.
Parents and guardians have been contacted and made fully aware of the situation.
A 38-year-old man from St Albans has been arrested and released under investigation while police enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan, from the Watford Local Crime Unit, said: “In the past week we have followed several lines of enquiry and, so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the threats contained within the letters are legitimate.
“However public safety is of paramount importance and we take these types of incidents extremely seriously.
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“We are continuing our work to determine the source of these letters in order to deal with the offender(s) in a robust manner.
“Students, parents and the local community will see increased police presence around the three schools in question as a reassurance measure.
“We understand that some people may find this unsettling, however if you have any concerns then please do not hesitate to approach an officer.”
• Anyone with information should contact Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan in the Watford Local Crime Unit by calling 01923 472961 or emailing jason.finnegan@herts.pnn.police.uk.
You can also report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report or speak to an operator in the force communications room via online web chat, quoting reference 41/34503/19, at www.herts.police.uk/Information-and-services/About-us/Contact.
You can also call the non-emergency number 101 and ask for Herts police, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
