School evacuated after bomb threat
Multiple police officers were called to a Gold Coast school after a “threat” caused an emergency evacuation.
Gold Coast police and Queensland Fire and Emergency services were called Pacific Pines State High School around 7am on Tuesday.
A police spokesman said a “threat has been made towards the school” and officers were investigating.
District duty officer Mitch Gray said police were called to the school after administrative staff received an email containing a bomb threat.
He said police conducted an external and internal search under the guidance of the bomb squad and found no threat.
“The school has over 2000 people, so thankfully at seven o’clock the disruptions to the school and children has been minimal,” he said.
Pacific Pines State High School shared an update to their Facebook about 8.10am and said police officers had given them the “all clear” to proceed as usual for the day.
The statement said school officials called emergency services after a threat was made to the school.
“Safety for our community is paramount where students, staff and community were all safe and accounted for during this time,” they said.
“Any threat made to a school is taken seriously and is a serious criminal offence.”
The school originally shared a breaking post at 7.20am and said students and staff had been evacuated and that it was not “a drill”.
“Please do not enter school grounds,” they said.
“A post will be made once we are clear.
“Please do not comment on social media as this is not productive. We appreciate your support during this time.”
High school parent Tracey Winmill commented on the post and said some students were at the school from 7am for sports training.
Police are continuing to investigate potential leads on who sent the email.