A school was on lockdown over reports of an 'armed person on campus' - with teachers and children said to be hiding in closets and barricaded inside rooms.
Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, US, is feared to have been the victim of a sick hoax today, with police saying "preliminary reports indicate this is a hoax consistent with hoaxes going on nationwide."
Principal Jamie Brooks sent a message to parents at 12.20pm local time, saying: "There is possibly an armed person on campus. Law enforcement is on site. We will provide updates when we have them."
Brett Jensen of WBT News tweeted: "Something major is happening at Ardrey Kell High as the students are barricaded in their rooms and some teachers and kids are currently hiding in closets. Police are on the scene!"
Nearby Community House Middle School is also on lockdown, confirmed its principal Brian Slattery.
UK's first non-binary priest says God guided them to come out after an epiphany
For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Local police force Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a statement: "CMPD officers are on the scene of Ardrey Kell High School and Community House Middle School to investigate reports of a threat at the schools. Officers are currently on scene of both schools. No threats have been located, and there is no evidence of a shooting. At this time, both schools are on precautionary lockdown. Officers will continue to investigate these reports. More to come from CMPD Public Affairs when it is available."
They added in a tweet: "Officers are continuing to clear buildings. No threats have been located and there is no evidence of a shooting. Preliminary reports indicate this is a hoax consistent with hoaxes going on nationwide. More information to come soon on a location for parents to pick up students."
And in a later update today, they added: "Both Ardrey Kell High School and Community House Middle School have both been cleared. No firearms were located. No active shooter located. We are working with @CharMeckSchools to help reunite parents and students."
Local media reports students have been told the situation is now a 'soft lockdown' and police and school staff are sweeping the classrooms. Principal Brooks used the public announcement system to say "the castle is clear."
Brett Jensen of WBT News added: "Ardrey Kell High has been cleared of any danger and that it was a 'hoax.' Students will return to the class.
Ardrey Kell High School"Multiple parents are saying CMPD officers at the scene have told them that there were reports of a 'possible' armed suspect on school grounds. They also said CMPD told them it was a 'hoax' and may have happened at other schools, too."
A video shared with local media site Channel 9 shows a police officer speaking to worried parents gathered outside the school. He is understood to have told them nothing has been found, while thanking them for their patience.
Both schools were on precautionary lockdown after reports of a threat.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
