College security threat was hoax, says principal

A potential security threat that led to a college being evacuated was a hoax, a principal has said.

Suffolk Police was called to Suffolk One College on Scrivener Drive, Ipswich, at about 11:53 GMT after a "malicious communication" was received by the college, the force said.

The college said it had immediately gathered its incident management group together and students were sent home.

Jake Robson, group principal of the college, said after the incident that officers had confirmed the message to be a hoax and the college would reopen on Wednesday.

"The police have confirmed that the incident was a hoax, and it is being investigated by the authorities," he said in a letter to parents and guardians.

"We also want to reassure you that today's response was carried out because we follow our safety procedures thoroughly and take any potential concerns seriously.

"The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff will always remain our top priority."

The college was confirmed to be safe and students would be able to collect any belongings left behind.

Mr Robson added that he was "extremely proud" of how students had conducted themselves.

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