Police were called to five schools after they were targeted in a series of hoax calls.

The phone calls were made to secondaries in West Lothian and Forth Valley on Thursday morning.

It is understood the hoax callers made threats towards a number of pupils at Inveralmond Community High, James Young High and St Margaret's Academy in Livingston, Bathgate Academy and Denny High within the Falkirk Council area.

A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland is investigating after threatening communications were received at schools in the West Lothian and Forth Valley areas on Thursday, October 26.

"Local officers are currently following a positive line of inquiry in an effort to identify whoever is responsible."

West Lothian Council posted a message on its Facebook page to reassure parents.

It said: "The council is working with Police Scotland during their investigation.

"We are aware of misinformation and rumour in the press and online and we would like to reassure parents and pupils that all necessary and appropriate steps have been taken.

"There is no need to remove pupils from the school."

A spokesman for Falkirk Council said: "A call was received at one of our schools that was responded to by an on-campus Police Scotland officer and had no disruption on the school's activities."