West Vancouver Secondary School locked down over safety threat
Families with students attending West Vancouver Secondary School were asked to stay home Thursday morning because of a potential safety threat.
The high school was locked down right before school began, and there was a significant police response at the scene, according to the West Vancouver Police Department.
Teachers and students who had arrived at school were evacuated. Officers were still working to clear the building just before 9 a.m., according to police.
“We ask that members of the public would avoid the area and follow police instructions,” Suzanne Birch, spokesperson for the West Vancouver PD, said. “Neighbours can expect an increased police presence throughout the day.”
Luckily, the lockdown was lifted by 11:30 a.m. after officers failed to locate any evidence of the reported threat. They determined there was no risk to the public.
Police did not say what the threat to safety was.
“As the investigation into this threat is ongoing, no further details can be released at this time,” Birch said. “As emergency personnel leave the scene, we continue to ask members of the public to avoid the area and thank them for their cooperation.”