Search for caller after bomb hoax

POLICE are searching for an anonymous caller after a bomb threat sent a Gold Coast school into lockdown yesterday morning.

Students at Southport State High School were told to hide under desks at 11.15am after a bomb threat was recevied over the phone. Police were on scene in minutes and searched the premises before declaring the area clear.

Senior Sergeant Brett MacGibbon said police were still in the process of conducting an investigation but had declared the threat “unsubstantiated”.

“We are still following through trace procedures (to find the caller),” he said, though he could not provide any details on the caller.

“I certainly can reiterate to all parents that the school was safe and teachers and the principal did an excellent job in assisting us.”

The school was in lockdown for about 45 minutes.

A Department of Education spokesman said police had been “immediately” notified when the threats were received.

“The lockdown was lifted on police advice at approximately 12.10pm and classes resumed as normal,” he said.

“Parents and carers were informed of the situation via SMS and a letter will be emailed out.”