A TEENAGER has been arrested at his family home over a bomb hoax which caused thousands of schools to be evacuated.

The 18-year-old was arrested early yesterday morning (May 16) on suspicion of making threats to kill, blackmail and malicious communications.

Bomb hoaxes earlier this year caused disruption to thousands of schools in the UK and America – including in Avon and Somerset.

Two other men, both aged 18, were arrested in March on suspicion of being involved in the same hoax.

On March 21, two days after the original bomb threat, police officers and the National Crime Agency (NCA) swooped on one of the teens in Watford, Herts.

He is on bail with conditions severely restricting his online use and he is subject to regular, no-notice checks that he is abiding by them.

READ: Police investigating hoax bomb threats against schools in Somerset

And a week later, on March 28, another 18-year-old was pulled into custody after being arrested in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, on suspicion of making malicious communications.

The latest arrest occurred in Andover, Hampshire, when National Crime Agency officers went to the family home.

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.

"This is an ongoing investigation with more work to be done."