An investigation is underway after a number of schools in the Black Country received bomb scare calls this morning.

Detectives have launched an investigation after Bristnall Hall Academy, Oldbury Academy, Holly Lodge in Oldbury and Leasowes School in Halesowen received calls this morning alluding to devices being hidden on their premises.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police, said: “Some institutions took the independent decision to evacuate students. All are safe and being cared for as usual by staff. The calls were received between around 9am and 9.30am. After thorough checks, we can confirm no suspect packages were found. 

"A police investigation is now underway to find the person responsible for the calls.”

Sandwell Council opened the Harry Mitchell Centre in Smethwick for children who had to leave school and weren’t able to get home. Youth workers were also deployed in the area.

All four premises have since been given the all clear, with Leasowes High School announcing on Twitter that their building has been deemed safe by Police and lessons would recommence as soon as possible.

Neil Shaw, Headteacher at Leasowes, said: “We received a call in school this morning, which thankfully turned out to be a bomb hoax.

"We acted quickly to inform police immediately and evacuated the school within a few minutes, and lessons have now returned to normal, but some children have gone home with parents.

“The safety and welfare of our children is obviously our top priority and I’m grateful to staff and emergency services for the way they dealt with this difficult situation.”

Oldbury Academy has taken the decision to remain closed today and will re-open as usual tomorrow however the year 11 GCSE English exam will go ahead as scheduled today. Both other establishments have re-opened their gates today as well.

There is no suggestion of any other threat to other schools in Sandwell or the wider Black Country and parents are being reassured everything is being done to ensure the safety of children. Primary schools were not affected, although some parents of pupils at nearby Moat Farm Primary collected youngsters from school.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101.