OXFORD Spires Academy was forced to close today after a bomb threat was received by email. 

Pupils were sent home from the East Oxford school this morning after a 'malicious email' was sent in what police are treating as a hoax.

The Cheney School, in Headington, later tweeted they had not received a threat but were taking precautions, stating: "Our site staff are currently undertaking a thorough check of the site and will maintain consistent checks throughout the day."

A statement from Oxford Spires said: "We have followed our internal policies and the advice of the CfBT Trust and Thames Valley Police to close the school today in response to the threat made, student and staff safety being paramount, whilst the credibility of the threat is established.

"We would like to thank students, parents and staff for their calm support of this process."

It added the school would continue to work with Thames Valley Police for the remainder of Friday and over the weekend in their ongoing investigation.

Weekend activities including Duke of Edinburgh training scheduled for Saturday have also been cancelled.

Oxford Mail:

A Thames Valley Police spokesman confirmed officers were called today at about 7.55am following reports of a 'malicious email' sent to Oxford Spires Academy relating to a 'suspicious item'.

He added: "Officers attended the site and assisted school staff with a search of the premises. Nothing was found and the email is being treated as a hoax.

"The school followed its own safety procedures. An investigation will take place to determine the source of the malicious communication.

"Officers have since left the premises."

Oxford Mail:

It comes days after more than 400 schools across England received hoax bomb threats believed to be coming from the United States.

The emails demanded payment of $5,000 and said a bomb already within the school would be detonated.

It is not yet known if this incident is linked.

Oxford Mail:

The school's chairman of governors, Tony Brett, told the Oxford Mail he had spoke with headteacher Marianne Blake about the incident. 

He said: "She is liaising with the police and, from what I understand, they think it is very unlikely this is a credible threat but the decision has been taken to close the school while there is a full check of the building.

"The safety of the children is the most important thing and we don't want to take any chances."

Oxford Spires Academy, in Glanville Road, East Oxford, has more than 800 pupils.