Four north London schools shut for the day following Israel attacks

Four north London Jewish schools have shut 'in the interests of the safety of [their] precious children' amid tension in the Middle East. Torah Vodaas Primary School in Edgware; Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School in Colindale; and Menorah High School in Neasden, told parents on Thursday evening (October 12) they would be shut until Monday, Sky News reports.

The outlet said a fourth, unnamed school, would also be shut. It comes as headteachers across the country, including in Greater Manchester, tighten up security following the attacks in Israel.

In a letter, Rabbi Feldman, from Torah Vodaas, said there was 'no specific threat' and that the decision had not been taken lightly. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged £3m to protect schools, synagogues and other Jewish community buildings.

READ MORE: The shocking number of kids in Greater Manchester 'persistently absent' from school

READ MORE: Town to be plunged into traffic chaos - and it could last NINE months

The cash, he said, would help the Community Security Trust (CST) to beef up security at schools and taken on additional guards. Earlier this week, the Manchester Evening News reported thatchildren at Jewish schools are being told to cover their blazers outside the gates over anti-Semitism fears.

Parents fear there will be trouble following past incidents amid conflict thousands of miles from our region. Children regularly take part in 'invacuation' drills, finding safe places to take cover in the event of an attack.

Seventeen British nationals - including children - are feared dead or missing. Among them is Manchester man Danny Darlington, who lost his life earlier this week. The 33-year-old, originally from Didsbury, south Manchester, lived in Germany.

He