HOAX bomb threats have been made to schools in Worcester.

Police said Newbridge Short Stay School, in Midland Road and Nunnery Wood Primary School in Prestwich Avenue, were among the hundreds around the country that were sent an email saying a bomb would be detonated on their grounds.

James Laidler, headteacher of Newbridge School, said: "It is really worrying and we are concerned that we will get more e-mails like that in future.

"It can really disrupt the business of the day for teaching and learning. It is really concerning in terms of time wasting for the police.

"We reacted in line with our policy and sought advice from the police."

More than 400 schools and colleges across the UK were targeted yesterday morning, causing many to be evacuated.

It has been reported that the emails sent to schools have originated from the US. The emails claim that an explosive device will be detonated on school grounds if cash is not handed over.

The emails, classified as 'malicious hoax communications' were reported to West Mercia Police yesterday

Investigations are ongoing and at this stage, officers do not believe there to be a credible threat.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "We take hoaxes extremely seriously. "They divert limited police resources and cause disruption and alarm to the public. "We are committed to identifying those responsible for such actions and bringing them to justice."

Anyone with information about these incidents or any of the other incidents should call 101.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Nunnery Wood Primary School was unavailable for comment.

Worcestershire County Council declined to comment.