A HAMPSHIRE teenager has been arrested over hoax bomb threats sent to thousands of schools in the UK and US.

The 18-year-old, from Andoer was arrested at his family home yesterday on suspicion of making threats to kill, blackmail and malicious communications.

He is the third teenager to be arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA), over a recent spate of malicious communications sent to schools.

NCA senior investigating officer Marc Horsfall said: “The series of bomb threats caused huge worry and inconvenience to thousands of innocent people.

“Anyone thinking that law enforcement doesn’t take such offences very seriously should really think again.

“Our investigation demonstrates we will do everything we can to find out who’s behind the attacks and arrest them as soon as possible.

“Many cyber offenders believe they’re well hidden behind their computer screens. But this arrest shows, we will identify you and come for you.

“We believe those arrested so far are all part of the same group. Other members and anyone thinking of joining them should bear that in mind.”

An 18-year-old man in Watford and another 18-year-old man from Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, were also arrested in March.

The Watford teen was arrested two days after the original bomb threat, on March 19, and is on bail with conditions restricting his online use, and is subject to regular, no-notice checks.

The investigation is ongoing.