A second teenager has been arrested in connection with a threatening email sent to nine schools.

The schools in Northfleet received a malicious communication in the early hours of Thursday morning, forcing some to temporarily close and start lockdown procedures.

A police spokesperson said the force first received reports from Shears Green Infant School, in Packham Road, that it had been sent “an email making threats” just before 8am.

Officers attended and liaised with staff at the scene and stayed in the area for reassurance.

Further reports were then received from other schools in the borough relating to similar emails.

The correspondence was suspected not to present a credible threat and an investigation was launched.

Later that day, officers arrested a 17-year-old girl from Gravesend on suspicion of harassment.

And yesterday a 17-year-old boy from Finchley in London was arrested in connection with the incident.

Both suspects have since been bailed to return to the police station, pending further investigation.

Chief Inspector Will Lay said: “Keeping people safe in our communities is our utmost priority and we carried out a prompt response as soon as this incident was reported to us.

“Our inquiries quickly identified that the email received was unlikely to contain a credible threat of harm.

“Understandably, there has been considerable concern amongst the local community, while schools have faced significant disruption.

“I hope it offers further reassurance to those in Gravesham that an arrest has been made and an investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/24986/25. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or you can complete their online form.