TWO New Forest schools were targeted by bomb hoaxers yesterday as part of a countrywide malicious email alert.

The alarm was raised at The Arnewood School in New Milton at noon following a hoax email stating that an incendiary device had been planted there.

Head teacher Christopher Hummerstone said: “Following police advice we immediately evacuated the school while officers carried out a search of the buildings.

“We take threats like this very seriously and act responsibly to safeguard our students and staff.

“No device was found and lessons resumed as normal. No exams were interrupted.”

A Hampshire Police spokesman said Hale Primary School in Fordingbridge had also been targeted yesterday, along with Brockenhurst College last week.

Poole Grammar School was evacuated last Wednesday morning following a malicious email bomb scare. Nothing was found in any of the affected schools.

The Metropolitan Police, which is investigating similar incidents across the country, said the bomb scares were thought to be connected.