A bomb threat has led to the closure of two Catholic high schools in London and St. Thomas.
The threat came in early Tuesday morning 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.
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 rumors, 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.
Police are asking people to avoid the area around the schools.
