(Quinte News File Photo: )
UPDATE @ 2:20 p.m.: A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with this morning’s hold and secure events at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute and nearby Queen Elizabeth School in Picton.
Prince Edward OPP say school officials were told about some threatening messages directed towards a student at the school and while the person who sent those messages wasn’t in the building, the precautionary hold and secure was put in place.
Investigators found the threats were sent by a boy who is not a student at the school, but knows the person who was threatened and were able to track the suspect via social media and other techniques.
The 16-year-old from Trenton was arrested and is being held in custody by Prince Edward OPP.
The investigation is continuing and further details will be released as they are available.
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UPDATE @ 12:40 p.m.: Officials with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board say the hold and secure at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute and Queen Elizabeth School has been lifted.
Spokesperson Kerry Donnell says normal operations resumed around 12:35 this afternoon.
The school board wasn’t able to release any more information about what spurred the precautionary measures but says OPP are expected to provide more details later this afternoon.
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While there is no immediate danger to students or staff, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute and Queen Elizabeth School in Picton are both under a hold and secure situation.
Hastings and Prince Edward School Board Director of Education Mandy Savery-Whiteway tells Quinte News “there was some concern within the community and the measures have been put in place as a precaution”.
Savery-Whiteway wouldn’t go into specifics, but says police are at the school and are looking into the situation and that an update would be provided when more information is available.
Social media reports suggest a threat was made to bring a gun to school.
A hold and secure is put in place in response to a threat or incident around a school, but not on or very near school property.
Normal operations continue inside the school but the doors stay locked and nobody is permitted to enter or exit the building.
