Polish police detained several young people over threats against schools on Friday, 9 October, as authorities increased security following two school attacks earlier this week.
Rumours circulating online had raised fears of further violence, prompting police checks at more than 10,000 educational establishments across the country. (reuters.com, niezalezna.pl)
Threats investigated as school checks increase
In a Friday morning statement, police said 10 people had been detained, mainly in connection with threats. Further detentions were being announced as the day progressed, making that an initial tally.
Police said officers were checking reports of threats and potentially dangerous incidents, while cybercrime investigators monitored online activity.
Among those detained were a 13-year-old accused of posting a photograph of a knife and threatening classmates in a group chat, and a 14-year-old found on school grounds with a knife and firecrackers.
Two 15-year-olds from Pruszków County, near Warsaw, were also detained over a video containing alleged death threats. (elpais.com, niezalezna.pl)
No evidence of a nationwide online challenge
According to Reuters, police said their investigations had found no evidence supporting claims of a coordinated online challenge behind the attacks.
Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said smaller groups or copycat incidents could not be ruled out. (reuters.com)
Two earlier attacks heightened concern
On Thursday, 8 October, a 37-year-old school custodian died following an attack at a primary school in Leszczydół-Nowiny, northeast of Warsaw.
The school’s principal and a teacher were also injured. A 15-year-old former pupil was subdued by the principal and taken into custody, AP reported. (apnews.com)
A day earlier, an attack at a vocational school in Ostrołęka injured nine victims. The 19-year-old suspect was also injured and was detained shortly afterwards. (reuters.com)
Police have appealed for restraint in sharing unverified information as investigations and school security checks continue. (niezalezna.pl)
