ABBOTSFORD’S Colleen and Gordie Howe Middle School’s administration contacted the Abbotsford Police Department on Thursday at 8:35 a.m. about a bomb threat to the school.

Police said that given the nature of the threat, the school was immediately put into lockdown as per standard procedures. As well, noting the school’s proximity to WJ Mouat Secondary, police placed that school into ‘shelter in place’ as a precaution.

Police evacuated all students and staff from Colleen and Gordie Howe Middle School in a controlled fashion, relocating them to nearby offsite locations. Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service and BC Ambulance were also placed in the area.

With the assistance of the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS), a search of the school was conducted resulting in the school being deemed safe. The lockdown and shelter in place have now been lifted. Throughout the entire incident, all students and staff were safe and accounted for. No one was injured, police said.

Students and staff have now returned to their classes with normal school operations resuming. All school families will be receiving an email surrounding the incident through the Abbotsford School District.

Abbotsford Police continue to investigate the origin of the threat. They confirm that there is no ongoing risk to the safety and security of the students and staff of Colleen and Gordie Howe Middle School.