MORE than 30 schools have been targeted in a hoax bomb threat, police have confirmed.

Northumbria Police said on Monday that at least 35 schools across the force area had received an email, stating that a bomb had been placed on school premises, and would be detonated if cash was not handed over.

Officers would not say whether any of the schools were in the Tynedale area, but confirmed that the disturbing incident was being treated as a hoax.

A police spokesman said: "Detectives have looked into the emails, which appear to originate form the US, and can confirm that there is no viable threat.

"Schools have been visited by police to reassure them that the incident is being treated as a hoax, and to address any concerns.

"We take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously and an investigation into the emails in question is under way."

Anyone with information should call 101, and quote log 218 19/03/18.