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'No safety risk' after Ashburton included in school phone threats

'No safety risk' after Ashburton included in school phone threats

Schools nationwide have again been targeted by phone threats.

Police revealed inquiries are under way in relation to threats at schools in Masterton, Kaikōura, Greymouth, Queenstown, Levin, Whanganui, Rolleston, Takaka, Geraldine, Dunstan, Ashburton and Palmerston North.

"Police take threats of this nature extremely seriously and is making enquiries to determine the source of the calls," they said today.

"At this stage Police do not believe there is a safety risk."

Police thanked the schools involved for following their emergency procedures in response to the threats.

Two days ago six North Island schools were either thrust into lockdown or evacuated following threats made towards the schools over the phone.

The Ministry of Education said it was aware of threats made towards five schools in Waikato and one school in Gisborne.

Matamata College, Matamata Intermediate, Thames High School, Cambridge High School, Firth Primary School and Lytton High School all announced on Facebook around noon that they had received threats and were either evacuating students, or had gone into lockdown.

The Ministry of Education's central region hautū (leader) Jocelyn Mikaere said the schools immediately initiated their emergency management plans and the police responded.

"Our teams are in contact with all of the schools and are prepared to provide whatever support is needed," Mikaere said on Tuesday.

A police spokesperson said officers investigated the inquiries and believed there was no specific safety risk.

"Investigations into the source of the threats are ongoing.
"Police extends thanks to the schools involved for following their emergency procedures, and to the wider school communities for their co-operation."