A PRIMARY SCHOOL in East Belfast is to close tomorrow following a report of a malicious email.

The PSNI said today that they are investigating a report of malicious telecommunications regarding a school in the East Belfast area, which was reported yesterday. This evening, they arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with the threat.

Earlier police said:

The communication was of a threatening nature. An extensive investigation is currently ongoing to identify the whereabouts of the individual involved and police are working with An Garda Síochána.

The PSNI said it has deployed additional officers to the local community “to keep people safe and to provide visible reassurance”. Local MP Naomi Long said that the school has decided to close tomorrow as a precaution.

Before the arrest was made tonight, the PSNI had issued an appeal for help identifying the whereabouts of a named 33-year-old man in order to progress enquiries. They said it is believed he may travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

- Additional reporting by Michelle Hennessy.