Online threat sparks hold and secure at York Region schools

Some schools in York Region were in hold-and-secure mode as police investigated a possible threat to a Markham school on Thursday.

“Everyone is safe,” the York Region District School Board said in a tweet.

During a hold and secure, doors at schools are locked, which means no one is allowed in or out, but classes continue as normal.

In a tweet earlier on Thursday morning, York regional police said they were “responding as a precaution to a possible threat to a school.”

 

According to police, someone forwarded them a post from an online bulletin board suggesting some kind of a threat.

A little later, police said nothing had been found, “but we take these seriously and respond accordingly.”

“A specific school was named; however, there are schools in other locations with similar names, so we took this information seriously – as any kind of threat like this should be taken – and devoted a large number of resources as a precaution,” Const. Laura Nicolle told 680News.

Although the hold and secures have been lifted, Nicolle said police officers will remain at certain schools throughout the day.

She said parents don’t need to worry since students are safe and no one has been injured.

Schools with similar names in other countries are also being cautious and have police have stepped up their presence.

With files from Jackie Rosen, 680News

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