A 33-year-old man has faced a court today in connection with threats made to pupils at a primary school in east Belfast.

Martin James Pryce, of no fixed abode, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for a first remand hearing.

He was formally charged with making threats to kill, misuse of telecommunications, criminal damage and possessing Class B drugs.

Pryce allegedly made the threat to kill through an online gambling website, sparking a massive police investigation.

No bail application was made and he was remanded in custody to appear again next Friday, January 30, via videolink.

Elmgrove Primary School was closed on Friday after police said a “malicious” email threat had been received.

In fact, two emails had been sent to a third party threatening violence children at the school.

As a result, police launched a massive hunt and called on the Gardai for assistance.

Elmgrove Primary School will re-open for staff and students on Monday,

Police have been keeping a high profile at the school to thwart off any attackers.