A bomb threat at two Catholic high schools in London and St. Thomas led to school closures on Monday.
The threat was emailed around 2 a.m. on Tuesday to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School at 1360 Oxford St. W in London and St. Joseph’s Catholic High School at 100 Bill Martyn Pkwy. in St. Thomas.
In an update Tuesday afternoon, St. Thomas police said no suspicious items were found during a search of both the inside and outside of St. Joseph’s High School and Fanshawe College-St. Thomas Campus however, offices continue to investigate. London police have yet to provide an update.
As a precaution, the London District Catholic school board (LDCSB) shuttered both schools for the day and shifted students to online learning.
"Teachers and staff will reach out to students through the Virtual Learning Environment where appropriate and possible," the board said in an email sent to parents. "Please know we take any threat very seriously and we involved the police immediately. Safety is of paramount importance to all of us at the school and the London District Catholic School Board."
The board did not release any specifics about the nature of the threat made against its schools and is asking people to refrain from "speculation or circulating rumours, especially those that may appear online."
Parents with concerns or questions can contact the school office, the board said.
St. Thomas police have confirmed the threat pertained to a bomb or explosive device. They along with officers from the London Police Service Explosives Disposal Unit are searching both school buildings and expect to be on scene for much of the day. A preliminary check and a thorough search of both the inside and outside of the buildings turned up nothing suspicious.
"The investigation, including examination into the source of the threat, is in its early stages, and more information will be provided when available," London police said.
Police are asking people to avoid the area around the schools.