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A 17-year-old girl from Gravesend has been arrested following a series of threatening emails sent to schools across the Gravesend area. The emails, received early Thursday morning, caused significant disruption and concern amongst the local community.
Kent Police were alerted to the situation shortly before 8 am on February 13th after a school in Northfleet reported receiving a malicious communication. Officers responded immediately, working with school staff at the scene. As the morning progressed, similar reports surfaced from other schools within the Gravesham locality, all detailing comparable threatening emails.
While the content of the emails was deemed not to pose a credible threat, police maintained a visible presence in the area to reassure residents. An investigation was launched to determine the source and motivation behind the communications.
Later that day, in a swift turn of events, officers apprehended a teenage girl on suspicion of harassment.
Police later reported a further arrest when they detained a 17 year old boy from Finchley, London in connection with the incident. Both teenage suspects have since been bailed to return to the police station, pending further investigation.
Chief Inspector Will Lay addressed the community’s concerns, stating,
“Keeping people safe in our communities is our utmost priority and we carried out a prompt response as soon as this incident was reported to us. Our enquiries quickly identified that the email received was unlikely to contain a credible threat of harm.”
He acknowledged the disruption and worry the incident had caused, adding,
“Understandably, there has been considerable concern amongst the local community, while schools have faced significant disruption. I hope it offers further reassurance to those in Gravesham that an arrest has been made and an investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/24986/25. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their online form.