AN EMAIL threatening to blow up a device at schools in Cumbria is believed to be a hoax, said police.

Hundreds of schools across the country are believed to have been targeted by the email - including three in Cumbria.

The schools - Dowdales Secondary School in Dalton-in-Furness, North Lakes Primary School in Penrith and Lakes College in Workington - have received an email from the sender ‘payment@veltpvp.com’ that threatens action if police are informed.

Superintendent Mark Pannone said:“I’d like to reassure members of the public that enquiries are being made into communications that have been sent to three Cumbrian schools.

“It is strongly believed this is part of a national scam and there is no threat to the public.

“Our advice to schools is if they receive such an email is do not panic and please seek police advice before taking any action.

“Such malicious communications are wholly irresponsible and will not be tolerated.”

Any schools that receive the email are asked to contact police on 101.