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Canberra Today 12°/15° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Canberra schools evacuated after threatening phone calls

police

IN response to reports that schools across Canberra have been evacuated after threats ACT Policing has made this statement:

We are aware that a number of ACT schools have received a threatening phone call today.

The schools are being evacuated as a precaution as we investigate the veracity of the threats.

We are aware that schools in a number of other states have recently received similar calls.


UPDATE: Gungahlin College has sent this email to parents:

From: GungahlinCollege
Date: 2 February 2016 at 15:11
Subject: ACT School Incidents
To:

URGENT INFORMATION

As you may have heard a small number of ACT public schools received a threatening phone call today.

Forrest Primary School, Kingsford Smith School, Lanyon High School, Richardson Primary School and Miles Franklin Primary School were evacuated as Police attended all sites, investigated the threats and confirmed it was safe to return to normal classes.

Staff and students responded exceptionally well and should be commended.

If you have any concerns or require further information, please contact your school. Counselling support is available for all students and staff.

Police advised that they are aware of similar incidents in a number of schools in other states around Australia.


FURTHER UPDATE:

ACT Policing have made a further statement:

ACT Policing today attended five schools in response to threatening phone calls.

The schools were evacuated as a precaution whilst the veracity of the threats were investigated.

We can confirm that the schools have been searched and nothing suspicious has been identified.

Police are warning that it is an offence to make such threats and every effort will be made to identify those responsible. The offence carries heavy penalties.

Police are urging anyone who could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

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