Ohio city unnerved by bomb threats in wake of Trump's false claims

Former president said Haitian immigrants in the city of Springfield were eating people's pets

The dogs and cats of Springfield, Ohio, appear to be perfectly safe, but many of its people found their lives upended this week by political rumour-mongering that has resulted in multiple bomb threats, school closures and a decision to dispatch the FBI.

Ever since former president Donald Trump claimed on national television that immigrants were stealing and devouring the household pets of Springfield - "they're eating the dogs", he practically shouted, "they're eating the cats" the rhythms and routines in the city have not been the same.

Never mind that the city authorities have refuted the story, and that many residents called it ridiculous.

The furore created by Trump during the presidential debate on the night of Sept 10 has put Springfield in the cross hairs of the nation's political wars. In the days that followed, bomb threats proliferated, closing City Hall, schools and a motor vehicle office. FBI agents descended on the community to guard against danger not to animals, but to humans.

The unexpected and unwanted attention generated by Trump's false stories led to real-life confusion and anxiety for some residents.

Schools have been evacuated, children sheltered at home and parents forced to make other plans during the working day.

Mr Gethro Jean, a Haitian pastor, said he had been fielding questions from congregants who were concerned about attending church on Sept 15.

Ms Cydney Mills, 41, who kept her three children out of school on Sept 13, after the latest round of bomb threats, said: "Our town was pinpointed in the debate. After that, people are just showing their true colours and exhibiting hate.” Jude Earlywine, 14, was in English class at Springfield High School on the morning of Sept 13 when he heard that hundreds of young children were filing into the gymnasium after bomb threats had forced the evacuation of their elementary schools.