Classes have resumed after a written bomb threat led to the evacuation of one elementary school and hold and secures at other area schools in Ingersoll on Thursday. According to a news release, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oxford County OPP, along with Ingersoll Fire Services and Oxford County Paramedic Services were called to Laurie Hawkins Public School in Ingersoll for a reported threat. All students and staff were safely evacuated from the school and relocated to Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute. Other schools in the area were placed under a hold and secure as a precaution. Police say responding officers conducted an extensive search of the school and property without incident. No threat was detected, and police say there is no threat to public safety. At approximately 12:55 p.m. the increased police presence ended around Oxford Avenue, Innes St. and Wonham Street North. In a statement from the Thames Valley District School Board, classes resumed in the afternoon and students would be dismissed at their usual time. Members of the Oxford OPP are actively conducting an ongoing investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Statements from the TVDSB In a statement to CTV News, the Thames Valley District School Board said, “We are writing to inform you that, based on the advice of police, all students have been temporarily relocated from Laurie Hawkins Public School to Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI) after a written bomb threat was discovered at the school. This precautionary measure has been taken out of an abundance of caution while Police conduct a thorough investigation and inspection of the school. At this time, students are safe, supervised, and remain with their teachers. There is no need for families to pick up their children from IDCI. The expectation is that students will return to Laurie Hawkins Public School before the end of the instructional day. We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation." A second statement to CTV News from the school board after police cleared the scene, said, “We are pleased to share that police have completed a thorough inspection of the school and, as of just prior to 12:30 p.m., have determined that the building is safe and there is no threat to student safety. Students are now making their way back to Laurie Hawkins Public School from Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI), and classes will resume as scheduled for the remainder of the day. Dismissal will occur at the regular time. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Police for their prompt response and careful investigation, as well as to our families for their cooperation and understanding. We also appreciate the support of IDCI staff in accommodating our students during this time." With files from CTV News London’s Kristylee Varley
