Hundreds of students were sent home from Bristnall Hall Academy, Oldbury Academy and Holly Lodge in Oldbury, and Leasowes High School in Halesowen.

Lessons were interrupted and pupils told to leave as quickly as possible as parents were contacted to come and collect their children.

Following searches of the schools West Midlands Police said that no bombs or suspicious objects had been been found.

West Midlands Police have criticised those responsible, condemning them for wasting police time and causing a moral panic at a sensitive time. 

One local parent said: "it was probably kids who think they're clever - and they're really not

"Parents are already cautious after the recent terrorist attacks and things like this don't help public well being.

"That said, I'd like to applaud the Police and school staff who acted quickly and calmed the situation".

The schools were expected to open as normal this morning.