ON Tuesday, January 7 at approximately 10:30 a.m., police were made aware of a threat of an explosive device made against the New Westminster courthouse. Officers arrived on scene and worked to secure the area. Residents and businesses directly next to the courthouse were asked to leave out of an abundance of caution.

Numerous public safety partners assisted New Westminster Police frontline patrol officers. They included BC Sheriffs, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, and British Columbia Emergency Health Services. Parts of surrounding roads were closed for several hours. Nothing suspicious was located by police.

“Police worked methodically and carefully to search the area in and around the courthouse,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver on Wednesday. “The courthouse and neighbouring buildings are now open to the public. We’d like to thank residents for their cooperation as we worked to ensure their safety.”

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. If you know anything about this incident and have not spoken to police you are asked to call 604-525-5411.